Development of a multiple-axis actuator control system

Abstract

The paper details the characteristics of a multiple axis actuator control system, the Package Actuator Control System or PACS, developed at the University of Western Australia. The system was developed to answer the increasing need for highly complex motion and load sequences to be applied during centrifuge model tests. It features four PID controllers, each driving an independent axis of actuator motion (or controlling another tool), a waveform generator and sequence controller. These modules are contained within a single intuitive user interface. This interface allows seamless switching between automated and manual control, resulting in simultaneous independent automated control of the four axes in load and/or displacement control. All of the researchers and technicians involved in experiments using the UWA beam centrifuge are capable of operating this system, after brief training by the beam centrifuge operator, supported by the software author.