A Hybrid Control Policy for Semi-Active Vehicle Suspensions

Abstract

Various control policies, such as skyhook and groundhook control, have often been considered for semi-active vehicle suspensions. Past studies have shown the performance limitations of these policies, as well as others that have been considered for vehicle applications. This study will provide a look into an alternative control technique called "hybrid control", which attempts to merge the performance benefits of skyhook and groundhook control. The results of this study are based on an experimental evaluation of hybrid control using a quarter-car rig and a magneto-rheological damper. The control policy is employed and evaluated under a steady-state or pure tone input, and a transient or step input. Peak-to-peak displacement and peak-to-peak acceleration are used to evaluate performance. The results indicate that hybrid control can offer benefits to both the sprung mass and the unsprung mass. The steady-state results reveal that hybrid control can be used to reduce the peak-to- peak displacements and accelerations of both bodies. The transient evaluation shows that hybrid control can be effective at reducing the peak-to-peak displacement of the sprung mass.