Active control of a nonlinear suspension with output constraints and variable-adaptive-law control

A variable-adaptive-law control algorithm for application to common problems like multi-objective control, actuator output constraints, and suboptimal adaptive laws is proposed in this paper. The multi-objective control problem of a nonlinear suspension is converted to the constrained stability problem of a sprung mass using a quarter nonlinear-suspension model. A variable-adaptive-law controller is then used, along with feedback from the output error, and considering the constraints of the actuator output. The controller modifies the adaptive law to reduce the active control force and restores it to the unsaturated zone. This ensures that the suspension system is always in a controlled state when the output saturation occurs. The controller was simulated for the following two cases: (i) a bump road and (ii) a C-grade road. The analysis is verified by experiments in the end