Abstract
This paper introduces a new active suspension system and discusses the application of the energy optimal control theory. In this new suspension system, an actuator and a damper are arranged in series. Thanks to this new design, the suspension system without an additional mass consists of an active mass-damper system. Applying the energy optimal control theory, it is shown by-the computer simulations that the riding comfort can be improved over wide range of frequency including the resonance frequency of the unsprung mass. The results show that the vibration of the sprung mass is reduced to a level which is lower than that of a Shinkansen car without causing an increase in the vibration of the unsprung mass. Additionally, the control law is interpreted and the mechanism behind the decrease in the vibration of the sprung mass is analyzed.
