Optimization of Weighting Parameters For an Active Suspension System of a Vehicle

Optimal control schemes are usually employed to minimize different performance criteria of active suspension system of a vehicle such as, ride comfort and road safety. These factors are usually combined into a single quantity using proper weighting parameters that depend on the designer’s preferences. Generally, the selection of these weighting parameters is based on trial and error, which can be a time-consuming and computationally-intensive process. This paper proposes the use of an approach based on nested optimization loops to automate the selection process of these weighting parameters. The objective of the inner optimization loop is to minimize of the quadratic performance index associated with the original active suspension problem while the objective of the outer optimization loop is to minimize driver’s acceleration, for ride comfort, while maintaining both tire deflection and suspension deflection within acceptable limits. The design variables are the weighting parameters associated with the quadratic performance index used in the optimal control of active suspension. A modified form of Hooke-Jeeves algorithm is used to handle this problem while the penalty function method is used to handle the constraints. Simulation results show that this approach can improve the design process for active suspension of vehicles