Sliding Mode Control with Fuzzy Tuning for Position Tracking of an Electro-Hydraulic Actuator

This paper considers the position control problem of an electro-hydraulic actuator subjected to parameter uncertainties and an external disturbance. The system is described by a comprehensive model that accounts for nonlinearities and friction effects. Friction in the hydraulic cylinder and load variations are taken into account as the external disturbance. The variable structure control with a sliding mode is used in the first step of the controller design. In order to overcome known drawbacks of the sliding mode control, fuzzy logic is applied. The simulation results show good tracking performance and strong robustness.