Improving test rig performance using passive components

Paper in proceedings, 2012

The Time Waveform Replication (TWR) algorithm is presently used in industry for calculating the input force needed to replicate reference sensor outputs in a dynamic test rig. The feasible range of that input force is restricted by power supply and forcing rate limitations. If the force transfer paths of the reference test cannot be replicated in the test rig, lack of state controllability may cause unnecessarily large input forces and an increased remaining output error. We advocate the use of passive components to improve output tracking and limit input force demands of dynamic test rigs in the case that controllability is lacking. A method for introducing such passive components is described in this paper. It uses a virtual testing model of the test system with genetic algorithm optimization and TWR in the loop to calculate the position and dynamic properties of the proposed passive component.