UC Davis

The application of inertial force actuators (IFAs) to vehicle dynamics is investigated. These are modeled as translational motors with a small proof mass attached at one end, such that forces applied by the actuator to the vehicle result in displacement of the proof mass in inertial space. IFAs would provide specific benefits compared to traditional active suspensions, which exhibit deleterious effects on secondary vehicle signals while pursuing their primary objectives. Since IFAs can be high power and generate high force magnitudes, and are constrained only by their internal stroke and force limits, their application is well suited for zero-mean band-limited white noise inputs such as a vehicle roadway. The suspension control problem is studied with the incorporation of IFAs in cooperation with traditional actuators in order to meet the vehicle objectives hierarchy. Modern and classical control theory investigate the application of IFAs to control various vehicle output signals.