Reducing RMS on Wheel Load in ABS-Braking Situations by Control of Semi-Active Suspension
In the presented research project the authors’ goal is to determine the potential of reduction of braking distance by automatic control of active dampers in passenger cars. Control strategies are being developed and tested in simulation models to be validated afterwards in test stand trials and test drives. In the presented paper the model assumptions regarding the vibration behavior of the vertical dynamics of the testing vehicle were checked. The assumptions regarding the influence on the wheel load of adaptive dampers could be verified and information about the time behavior and about the strength of the damper change effect could be gained. A control algorithm for the active dampers was developed and implemented in a testing vehicle. The control algorithm, which is called MiniMax control, makes it possible to reduce the RMS on dynamic wheel load in non-braking situations significantly. This could be shown in test rig trials as well as in test drives with defined obstacles. In full braking test drives the chosen controller is able to reduce the RMS on wheel load at initial velocities up to 70 km/h.