Active Suspension Control for Improved Ride Comfort and Vehicle Performance Using HHO-Based Type-I and Type-II Fuzzy Logic

Abstract

This study focuses on improving the control system of vehicle suspension, which is critical for optimizing driving dynamics and enhancing passenger comfort. Traditional passive suspension systems are limited in their ability to effectively mitigate road-induced vibrations, often resulting in compromised ride quality and vehicle handling. To overcome these limitations, this work explores the application of active suspension control strategies aimed at improving both comfort and performance. Type-I and Type-II Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) methods were designed and implemented to enhance vehicle stability and ride quality. The Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) algorithm was employed to optimize the membership function parameters of both fuzzy control types. The system was tested under two distinct road disturbance inputs to evaluate performance. The designed control methods were evaluated in simulations where results demonstrated that the proposed active control approaches significantly outperformed the passive suspension system in terms of vibration reduction. Specifically, the Type-II FLC achieved a 54.7% reduction in vehicle body displacement and a 76.8% reduction in acceleration for the first road input, while improvements of 75.2% and 72.8% were recorded, respectively, for the second input. Performance was assessed using percentage-based metrics and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) criteria. Numerical and graphical analyses of suspension deflection and tire deformation further confirm that the proposed control strategies substantially enhance both ride comfort and vehicle handling.