A sliding mode control of semi-active suspension systems with describing function method

This paper presents a sliding mode controller of semi-active suspension systems. The sliding mode controller is designed by the describing function method so that the switching function is enforced into a desired limit cycle instead of a perfect sliding mode. Although the proposed sliding mode controller cannot generate the limit cycle as desired because of the passive constraint of controllable dampers, restricting the switching function in the vicinity of the origin can suppress the deterioration due to the passive constraint, such as increase of jerk of the sprung mass system. Finally, simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed controller. © 2013 The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.