Modified Skyhook Control of Semi-Active Suspensions: A New Model, Gain Scheduling, and Hardware-in-the-Loop Tuning

Abstract

In this paper, a road adaptive modified skyhook control for the semi-active Macpherson strut suspension system of hydraulic type is investigated. A new control-oriented model, which incorporates the rotational motion of the unsprung mass, is introduced. The control law extends the conventional skyhook-groundhook control scheme and schedules its gains for various road conditions. Using the vertical acceleration data measured, the road conditions are estimated by using the linearized new model developed. Two filters for estimating the absolute velocity of the sprung mass and the relative velocity in the rattle space are also designed. The hydraulic semi-active actuator dynamics are incorporated in the hardware-in-the-loop tuning stage of the control algorithm developed. The optimal gains for the ISO road classes are discussed. Experimental results are included.