Active dampers and stabilizer bar for heave and roll controll in SUVs: A comparison study considering actuator dynamics

Abstract

This thesis conducts a comparative analysis of an active stabilizer bar and suspension system for vehicular roll control. The core objectives are to assess the efficacy of these advanced systems in mitigating the roll effect. Comprehensive mathematical half-car models for both active stabilizer bar and suspension system were developed, incorporating detailed models for the tire and actuators dynamics. Simulations were executed using MATLAB Simulink®to evaluate the performance under various driving conditions and scenarios. Classic control strategies including Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PI) and Skyhook, were designed and implemented to compare the system responses. Simulation results demonstrate substantial improvements in roll stability for both systems compared to traditional passive solutions. However, notable distinctions in performance, as well as energy consumption are identified, elucidating the inherent trade-offs between the suspension configurations proposed and further explained throughout this work. An energy and complexity analysis was performed to compare the feasibility costs associated with the active stabilizer bar and suspension system, as well as the configurations and tradeoffs they offer. The analysis reveals that while the active anti-roll bar system offers superior roll control, active dampers present a more effective solution with adequate performance for a broader range of applications. In summary, this thesis provides an in-depth evaluation on different configurations of an active stabilizer bar and suspension system, delivering critical insights and practical recommendations for their deployment and further conclusions on their research and development in contemporary vehicle dynamics and control systems.