Parameter optimization and analysis of a vehicle suspension system controlled by magnetorheological fluid dampers

This paper presents the parameter optimization and simulation analysis of a new type of vehicle suspension system controlled by recently developed magnetorheological fluid dampers. First, the differential equations of motion for a vehicle suspension system considering two degrees of freedom corresponding to vertical vibration and rocking vibration are formulated. Then, the non‐controlled and optimally controlled response of the suspension system under six sets of measured road surface excitation is simulated, which shows the effectiveness of full‐state feedback LQR control for the vibration suppression of the suspension system. Furthermore, the influence of the control algorithm parameters is analyzed, and the results show that active control can be fully realized by semi‐active control technology, due to the intrinsic variable damping behavior of LQR control. Finally, the simulation of semi‐active magnetorheological fluid damper control using a limited optimal Hrovat control algorithm is carried out, and the results are compared with LQR control results. The numerical results show that using magnetorheological fluid dampers to replace active actuators in vibration control of vehicle suspension system is quite feasible. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.