Abstract: In this paper, an 8-DOF model including driver seat dynamics,
subjected to random road disturbances is used in order to investigate the
advantage of active over conventional passive suspension system. Force
actuators are mounted parallel to the body suspensions and the driver seat
suspension. An optimal control approach is taken in the active suspension used
in the vehicle. The performance index for the optimal control design is a
quantification of both ride comfort and road handling. To simulate the real
road profile condition, stochastic inputs are applied. Due to practical
limitations, not all the states of the system required for the state-feedback
controller are measurable, and hence must be estimated with an observer. In
this paper, to have the best estimation, an optimal Kalman observer is used.
The simulation results indicate that an optimal observer-based controller
causes both excellent ride comfort and road handling characteristics.
