Modelling and control of automotive suspension systems

This paper considers the methodology for simulation and control of automotive suspension systems. The study is motivated by the need for modelling techniques that allow both nonlinear simulations of handling manoeuvres and suspension control studies. The first model developed represents one corner of a vehicle and consists of a sprung mass, unsprung mass and the major suspension links to allow the suspension geometry effects to be incorporated. This vehicle chassis model was built using the multibody system modelling package SD/FAST and the continuous simulation language ACSL. The resultant model was then used to address the ride control problem, using a variety of control techniques. All control design and analysis was undertaken using the scientific and engineering software package, MATLAB