Fast Long Range Actuator - FLORA

On this page:

Abstract

Research Method

Results

Supporting Materials

Abstract

The goal of this project is to develop a Fast Long Range Actuator (FLORA) to produce optical quality freeform surfaces. The target range of motion of ± 2 mm at 20 Hz creates a challenging problem and will require innovation in design, fabrication and control. This report discusses the performance of the modified prototype (which was initially built in 2003 with Precitech on a small-business grant funded by NASA) over the past year. The prototype uses a 50 mm stroke linear motor, air bearing supported lightweight triangular piston and a glass-scale linear encoder. Changes to the encoder, amplifier and controller and the resulting improvements in performance are reported. Both simulations and experimental results are presented to evaluate the performance of the existing design and determine the direction for a new system design. Significant improvements in following error (10 times) and disturbance rejection (8 times) have resulted in the changes incorporated in improved version of FLORA. In addition, more general design philosophies for this application are discussed in terms of physical design and controller design, the effect of moving mass and physical damping in this dynamic system are also discussed.

Research Method

Results

Supporting Materials