Robust Optimal Control for the Vehicle Suspension System With Uncertainties

Area of Science:

• Automotive Engineering
• Control Systems Engineering
• Robotics

Background:

• Vehicle suspension systems are critical for handling stability and ride comfort.
• Parameter uncertainties and external disturbances challenge traditional active suspension control.
• Optimizing control strategies is essential for improving overall vehicle performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel robust optimal control strategy for active suspension systems.
• To enhance vehicle performance by addressing parameter uncertainties and external disturbances.
• To ensure both optimal control and robustness in active suspension design.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid control strategy combining Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and sliding-mode control was developed.
• An initial optimal controller was designed using the LQR approach on a nominal system model.
• A robust optimal integral sliding-mode control strategy was formulated to handle uncertainties and disturbances.
• Lyapunov stability theory was employed for stability analysis of the proposed control strategy.
• A collaborative simulation platform integrating Carsim and MATLAB/Simulink was utilized for validation.

Main Results:

• The proposed robust optimal integral sliding-mode control strategy demonstrated effectiveness in active suspension systems.
• The control strategy achieved optimal control objectives while maintaining robustness against parameter variations and external disturbances.
• Stability analysis confirmed the theoretical soundness of the proposed control approach.
• Simulation results validated the superior performance of the proposed strategy compared to conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed robust optimal control strategy significantly improves active suspension system performance.
• The combination of LQR and sliding-mode control offers a promising approach for robust vehicle dynamics control.
• The study highlights the potential for enhanced vehicle handling stability and riding comfort through advanced control techniques.