Fuzzy control of semi-active automotive suspensions

This paper presents a new fuzzy controller for semi-active vehicle suspension systems, which has a significantly fewer number of rules in comparison to existing fuzzy controllers. The proposed fuzzy controller has only nine fuzzy rules, whose performance is equivalent to the existing fuzzy controller with 49 fuzzy rules. The proposed controller with less number of fuzzy rules will be more feasible and cost-efficient in hardware implementation. For comparison, a linear quadratic regulator controlled semi-active suspension, and a passive suspension are also implemented and simulated. Simulation results show that the ride comfort and road holding are improved by 28% and 31%, respectively, with the fuzzy controlled semi-active suspension system, in comparison to the linear quadratic regulator controlled semi-active suspension.