Thermal Control Process Apparatus
A compact self-contained bench mounting temperature control apparatus designed to allow students at all academic levels to investigate the basic and advanced principles of control.
Ball and Beam Apparatus
Item Number:
CE106 - Experiment
The Ball and Beam Apparatus shows the control problems of unstable systems, for example a rocket or missile during launch, which needs active control to prevent the missile going unstable and toppling over.
The apparatus has a steel ball which is free to roll on two parallel tensioned wires. The wires are on a beam that pivots at its centre. A servo motor controls the beam angle and sensors measure the beam angle and ball position.
The basic control problem is to vary the beam angle to control the ball position. The system is a double integrator, so it is naturally unstable. It needs active feedback control using phase-advance methods.
Standard FeaturesLearning Outcomes
Standard Features
- Self-contained, compact and bench-mounting unit that mimics a real control problem in unstable systems, such as missile or rocket take-off
- Highly visual apparatus, with moving ball and front panel mimic diagram of the process – students can see what they are controlling
- All inputs and outputs buff ered for connection to TecQuipment’s optional controllers or other suitable controllers
- For basic and advanced experiments with angle, velocity and position control
Learning Outcomes
The flexible design of the equipment allows the user to develop many other analysis and control exercises to suit their needs. It is good for extended or advanced control experiments, and is ideal for student project work.
- Measurement of system dynamics by transient and closed-loop methods
- Design of analogue phase-advance compensators
- Design of state reconstructors to obtain estimates of ball velocity and position
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