Modeling and controlling of a flexible hydraulic manipulator

Abstract

A mathematical model was developed combining the dynamics of an Euler-Bernoulli beam, described by the assumed-mode method and hydraulic circuit dynamics. Only one matrix, termed drive Jacobian, was needed in the modeling of interaction between hydraulic circuit and flexible manipulator mechanism. Furthermore, a new robust controller based on mentioned above dynamic model was also considered to regulate both flexural vibrations and rigid body motion. The proposed controller combined sliding mode and backstepping techniques to deal with the non-linear system with uncertainties. The sliding mode control was used to achieve an asymptotic joint angle and vibration regulation by providing a virtual force while the backstepping technique was used to regulate the spool position of a hydraulic valve to provide the required control force. Simulation results are presented to show the stabilizing effect and robustness of this control strategy.