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This paper presents a robust controller design method for improving vehicle lateral stability and handling performance. In particular, the practical load variation will be taken into account in the controller synthesis process such that the controller can keep the vehicle lateral stability and handling performance regardless of the load variation. Based on a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) lateral dynamics model, a model-based Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy control strategy is applied to design such a controller and the sufficient conditions for designing such a controller are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) which can be solved efficiently using currently available numerical software. Numerical simulations are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.

In this paper, a previously derived theoretical model of an integrated hydraulically interconnected suspension (HIS) half-car system is experimentally validated. The paper outlines the development of the HIS fluid system model and its integration into a four degree-of-freedom, roll-plane half-car system. An experimental approach to validate the model is outlined, and the resulting purpose-built half-car test facility is described in detail. Experimental results from both free and forced vibration testing are presented and compared with model-based simulations. In general, very good agreement is observed. Limitations of the testing approach and reasons for any discrepancies are discussed. Finally, the broader implications of the obtained results in terms of practical HIS system design are considered.