Title: Adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller to improve ride comfort based on a quarter car model

Authors: Jiliang Jia; Qinghai Zhao; Kaiyu Ma; James Yang

Addresses: Faculty of Vehicle Engineering, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China ' Faculty of Vehicle Engineering, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China ' Faculty of Vehicle Engineering, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China ' Faculty of Vehicle Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA

Abstract: Based on the simulation of a four-degree-of-freedom human body model and a three-degree-of-freedom automobile model, this paper proposes an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller (AFSMC) for the seat suspension-body system with skyhook damping control as the reference. An adaptive algorithm is introduced to estimate system model errors and disturbances, improving control accuracy. The fuzzy algorithm optimises the convergence speed parameter of sliding mode control to achieve fast convergence and reduce jitter, while the hyperbolic tangent function replaces the sign function to ensure switching continuity. Simulation analysis on random and bumpy roads shows that AFSMC outperforms PID and passive control in vibration damping, significantly attenuating road vibrations.

Keywords: quarter car model; sky-hook damping control; AFSMC; adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller; hyperbolic tangent function; ride comfort.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2026.153211

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2026 Vol.20 No.2, pp.204 - 223

Received: 26 Jan 2024
Accepted: 25 Apr 2024
Published online: 29 Apr 2026 *

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