Title: Hydraulic axis actuation control for precision motion

Authors: S. El-Shalabi, M. Ebrahimi, B. Mason, R. Whalley, A.A. Ameer

Addresses: School of Engineering, Design and Technology, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. ' School of Engineering, Design and Technology, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. ' School of Engineering, Design and Technology, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. ' Faculty of Engineering, The British University in Dubai, P.O. Box 502216, Dubai, UAE. ' Faculty of Engineering, The British University in Dubai, P.O. Box 502216, Dubai, UAE

Abstract: A new design for machine tool axis traverse, by hydraulic cylinder with spool and needle valve actuators, is presented. Regulation procedures enabling the formulation of a least effort control strategy are proposed. System integrity in the event of actuator failure is examined. Correspondingly, the maintenance of closed-loop stability, following feedback transducer loss, is also secured, demonstrating fail-safe, multivariable and feedback control. The suppression of the effects of disturbances and the response of the system to deterministic inputs is presented. Comments on the practicality of the design are incorporated and the mandatory specification of control system integrity is advocated.

Keywords: hydraulic axis actuators; actuation control; precision motion; machine tool axis traverse; drives; system integrity; actuator failure; closed-loop stability; fail-safe control; multivariable control; feedback control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAET.2009.022785

International Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology, 2009 Vol.1 No.2, pp.173 - 184

Published online: 26 Jan 2009 *

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