Reliable Fuzzy Sampled-Data Control for Nonlinear Suspension Systems Against Actuator Faults

This article investigates the reliable fuzzy sampled-data control issue of nonlinear vehicle suspension systems subject to actuator faults. Considering the high nonlinear characteristics in the springs and the shock absorbers, the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy method is utilized to describe the nonlinear suspension system. To deal with the discrete phenomenon of nonuniform sampling, an input-delay is employed to convert the continuous-discrete suspension system into a continuous-time form. Motivated by the above system model, a Lyapunov functional candidate is employed to obtain sufficient conditions that can meet system stability and performance requirements simultaneously. Furthermore, a novel two-step optimization algorithm is proposed for the sampled-data controller design in the structure of output feedback. Finally, experimental tests are implemented via an active suspension test rig, and the test results illustrate that the proposed method contributes greatly to improve the ride comfort, handling performance, and road holding capability simultaneously.