Analysis of an on-off modulated clutch servomechanism

Abstract

This thesis presents an analysis of a nonlinear servomechanism,, The nonlinear control device is an electromechanical spring clutch designed by the Propeller Division of the Curtis s-Wright Corporation for use in both missiles and manned aircraft. A mathematical representation of the system is first derived. Then an analytic technique is presented which may be employed to predict such closed-loop response characteristics as gain, phase shift, and bandwidth. Investigations are made regarding both the absolute stability and the relative stability of the system, however, only limited conclusions are reached due to the lack of established stability criteria for a system of this type. Recommendations are made for further study of the stability of this system for the purpose of establishing such criteria. The ground work for this thesis, including the preliminary analysis and all of the equipment tests, was accomplished by the authors during the summer of I960 while on an industrial experience tour at the Missiles and Space Division of the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Sunnyvale, California. The authors are extremely grateful for having had the opportunity to do this work at Lockheed Missiles and Space Division, Particularly, appreciation is expressed to Mr. Fred A. Schupan of Lockheed, for his very able guidance and assistance throughout the conduct of the analysis. Appreciation is also expressed to Messrs. Richard Lawhorn, Kenneth Alder, and Charles Cox, of Lockheed, for their assistance on various aspects of this work. The authors gratefully acknowledge the advice and assistance given by Professor Robert D. Strum of the United States Naval Postgraduate School during the writing of this paper.