Title: A neural network based fuzzy control approach to improve ride comfort and road handling of heavy vehicles using semi-active dampers

Authors: Nima Eslaminasab, Mohammad Biglarbegian, William W. Melek, M. Farid Golnaraghi

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada

Abstract: The use of semi-active dampers in suspension systems is increasing rapidly in the automotive industry. This is attributed to the fact that damping can be adjusted to improve ride comfort and road handling. However, accomplishing ride comfort and better road handling concurrently is challenging. In this paper, we propose an intelligent system to optimise the suspension performance in terms of concurrently achieving the above-mentioned objectives. A neural network-based fuzzy logic controller is designed to control the system that embodies this damper. The proposed controller can enhance the vehicle handling and ride comfort concurrently while consuming less energy than existing control methodologies.

Keywords: semi-active dampers; heavy vehicles; fuzzy logic; vehicle suspensions; vehicle ride; vehicle handling; neural networks; fuzzy control; ride comfort; road handling; intelligent control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2007.013259

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2007 Vol.14 No.2, pp.135 - 157

Published online: 14 Apr 2007 *

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