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The University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics has developed an active suspension system that recovers, stores, and manages energy while actively controlling vehicle suspension activity. Tests described in this paper quantify increases in rolling resistance from flat to rough terrain, and demonstrate that active suspension systems can limit this increase to 50% of that experienced by passive suspension systems.

The use of a fuzzy logic controller for an active suspension system on a wheeled vehicle is investigated. Addressing the opposing goals of ride quality and bump stop avoidance are integrated into one control algorithm. Construction of the fuzzy rules base will be discussed comprehensively along with the membership function setup for both the input and output variables. Numerous quarter-car simulation comparisons will be performed of the fuzzy controller versus the standard skyhook damper controller. The comparisons will include a variety of terrain inputs. Laboratory testing of the fuzzy controller on a single wheel station system is also included.

Battlefield reconnaissance is an integral part of today's integrated battlefield management system. Current reconnaissance technology typically requires land based vehicle systems to observe while stationary or, at best, significantly limits travel speeds while collecting data. By combining current Canadian Light Armored Vehicle based reconnaissance systems with the Center for Electromechanics (CEM) electronically controlled active Electromechanical Suspension System (EMS), opportunities exist to substantially increase cross-country speeds at which useful reconnaissance data may be collected. This report documents a study performed by The University of Texas Center for Electromechanics with funding from L3-ES to use existing modeling and simulation tools to explore potential benefits provided by EMS for reconnaissance on the move.

The University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) has been developing active suspension technology for off-road vehicles since 1993. The UT-CEM approach employs fully controlled electromechanical actuators to control vehicle dynamics and passive springs to efficiently support vehicle static weight. The project described in this paper is one of a succession of projects toward the development of effective active suspension systems, primarily for heavy off-road vehicles. Earlier projects targeted the development of suitable electromechanical actuators. Others contributed to effective control electronics and associated software. Another project integrated a complete system including actuators, power electronics and control system onto a HMMWV and was demonstrated at Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona.