The use of structured models for the simulation of pneumatic control systems

In order to meet more demanding dynamic performance specifications for pneumatic control systems, designs are becoming increasingly complex and require precision tuning to achieve optimum performance over a wide range of operating conditions. These complex designs are normally a result of an extended development programme which has often required the incorporation of additional components of palliative solutions to problems identified during performance tests. These tests, carried out at great cost, rarely cover all operating conditions. Consequently, confidence in the design becomes low when operating conditions are not these which have already been considered in the test programme. These development costs can be curtailed by the intelligent use of properly developed and validated digital computer simulation models. In this paper it is shown how such models can be readily established using a structured, Fortran-based simulation language. Furthermore, it is shown how a series of submodels can be used to develop a simulation model of a gas servomechanism for missile control fin deflection