Microcomputer control of a hydraulically actuated piston

Abstract

This thesis is a study of a computer controlled hydraulically actuated piston. The system uses a Hewlett Packard HP85B microcomputer as a controller. Included in this research is a detailed computer simulation of the system with laboratory validation. This effort supports the overall goal of complete study of microcomputer control of electrohydraulic power systems by the establishment and simulation modeling of a baseline system. Special emphasis is placed on modeling the effects of the computer on overall system performance. It was found that sample period is one of the most important factors influencing the ability to control a hydraulic power element using a microcomputer. Proper selection of the sampling period alone is not always sufficient to insure the ability to control the plant. Other factors such as non-linearities in the plant may influence the ability to use a digital controller.