Improved vehicle performance using combined suspension and braking forces

This paper investigates the integration of various subsystems of an automobile's chassis. The specific focus of this research is the integration of active suspension components with anti-lock braking (ABS) mechanisms. The performance objective for the integrated approach is defined as a reduction in braking distance over just anti-lock brakes. A two degree of freedom half car vehicle model is developed along with models for a hydraulic active suspension and an ABS system. For both subsystems, actuator dynamics are included. Individual controllers are developed for the subsystems and a governing algorithm is constructed to coordinate the two controllers. Simulations of the integrated controller and an ABS system demonstrate a significant increase in performance.