LPV-based Variable-Geometry Suspension Control Considering Nonlinear Tyre Characteristics*

The paper proposes a method for the LPV-based (Linear Parameter-Varying) control design of the variable-geometry suspension system. The tilting actuation of the front wheel improves the lateral dynamics of the vehicle and assists for the driver in avoiding critical situations. The novelty of the method is the consideration of the nonlinearities in the tyre characteristics. The tyre forces are approximated by polynomials, which are used in the linearizing of the vehicle model. A parameter-varying vehicle model is derived, on which a robust LPV control is designed. The proposed method improves the performances of vehicle dynamics, and handles the critical maneuvers caused by e.g. a skidding car and high velocities. The proposed method is illustrated through CarSim simulation examples.