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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.

The University of Texas Center for Electro-mechanics (UT-CEM) has been developing active suspension technology for high-speed off-road applications since 1993. The UT-CEM system uses controlled electromechanical actuators to control vehicle dynamics with passive springs to support vehicle static weight. The program is currently in a full vehicle demonstration phase on a military high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV). This paper presents detailed test results for this demonstration vehicle, compared to the conventional passive HMMWV, in a series of tests conducted by the U.S. Army at Yuma Proving Grounds. Extensive data in plotted form are discussed, including accelerometer readings from 6 vehicle mounted accelerometers, corner displacement transducers, and current and power plots for the actuators.

The University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) has been developing active suspension technology for off-road and on-road vehicles since 1993. The UT-CEM approach employs fully controlled electromechanical (EM) actuators to control vehicle dynamics and passive springs to efficiently support vehicle static weight. The program has completed three phases (full scale proof-of-principle demonstration on a quarter-car test rig; algorithm development on a four-corner test rig; and advanced EM linear actuator development) and is engaged in a full vehicle demonstration phase. Two full vehicle demonstrations are in progress: an off-road demonstration on a high mobility multiwheeled vehicle (HMMWV) and an on-road demonstration on a transit bus. HMMWV test results are indicating significant reductions in vehicle sprung mass accelerations with simultaneous increases in cross-country speed when compared to conventional passive suspension systems.

Through the support of the United States Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM), The University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) has developed a prototype electromagnetic (EM) linear actuator suitable for vehicle active suspensions. The prototype actuator built was designed to be used in conjunction with a supplemental air spring. It is capable of producing 8,896 N (2,000 lb) of force with a 12.7 cm (5 in.) stroke and up to 1 m/s (40 in./s) velocity. The actuator was designed as a retrofit for military high mobility multi-wheeled vehicles (HMMWV). The design also focused on capability of being retrofit on a 18.1 kg (20-ton) metropolitan advanced technology transit bus (ATTB).

The use of electromechanical actuators for an active suspension on a main battle tank is investigated. A novel approach to the development of the active suspension control algorithms is presented along with simulation results to evaluate the electromechanical design requirements. The optimal electromechanical actuator design is described along with simulated performance results for a one roadwheel station electromechanical active suspension. Follow-up plans for the laboratory testing of a single wheel station system are also included.