Enhancement of Ride Comfort in Active Quarter-Car Suspension Systems using Model Predictive Control

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 4, 527 - 535, 31.12.2025

Duc Lich Luu , Nguyen Quang Trung Ngoc Thien To

https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech..1701968

Abstract

In recent years, the use of active suspension systems in passenger cars has gained significant attention due to their ability to enhance ride comfort. These systems are designed to automatically adjust the control force, adapting to different driving conditions and the varying forces caused by road surface irregularities. This paper explores the implementation of the Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithm for managing an active suspension system modeled by a quarter-car vibration model in the longitudinal direction. Simulations were performed using Matlab/Simulink to compare the performance of the MPC-controlled system with those governed by a PID controller and a conventional passive suspension system. Simulation results highlight that the MPC controller provides significant improvements in multiple aspects of suspension performance. Specifically, it achieves a noticeable reduction in body acceleration, ensuring smoother ride comfort for passengers. Moreover, the MPC-based suspension maintains lower body displacement and more stable suspension deflection, which translates into improved vehicle handling and road holding. Compared to PID and passive configurations, the MPC approach shows a faster adaptation to varying road profiles and more efficient suppression of vibrations across sinusoidal, step, and random road excitations. These outcomes emphasize the superiority of MPC in balancing ride comfort, safety, and vehicle stability, confirming its potential as an effective control strategy for future suspension systems.

Keywords

Automotive Dynamics , Suspension System , Active Suspension System , Ride Comfort

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