An adaptive backstepping sliding mode control strategy for the magnetorheological semi-active suspension

This paper proposes an adaptive backstepping sliding mode control strategy for addressing nonlinear issues in the semi-active suspension systems, such as uncertainties and external disturbances. Firstly, a hyperbolic tangent model is chosen for parameters identification of the magnetorheological (MR) damper, and a model for the semi-active suspension system is established. Secondly, a control strategy is designed by combining the backstepping and sliding mode control strategies, and adaptive methods are employed to mitigate external disturbances, enhance the robustness of the controller, and estimate system uncertainties. Finally, the stability and controllability of the closed-loop system are verified using Lyapunov theory. Under the road excitations of A-Class, B-Class, and speed bump, the dynamic characteristics of the passive control, backstepping sliding mode control, and adaptive backstepping sliding mode control strategies applied to the MR semi-active suspension are analyzed. The vertical acceleration of vehicle body, suspension dynamic deflection, and tire dynamic load are selected as evaluation indexes, the results indicate that this control strategy significantly improved the ride comfort and handling stability of the vehicle.