Nonlinear Control System Design Using the Zero Force Curve

This paper presents a design procedure using the Zero Force Curve for applying nonlinear elements in control systems. Specifically a method is presented for designing a nonlinear controller to achieve a desired step input response in a second order linear system. In a sense, the controller provides optimum response in that the desired response to the step input can be obtained with good fidelity. The body of the paper consists of the development of the design theory along with its application to several examples.