Voice-coil actuator control design for use in an elastance-based mock circulatory system

The use of a voice-coil actuator (VCA) in an elastance-based mock circulatory system (MCS) was investigated. Two VCA models, an ideal linear model and a non-linear model, were compared for use in the design of the control scheme. Data for parameter estimation was acquired by exciting the VCA with a sine wave input. VCA parameters were then identified using least-squares estimation (LSE) and curve-fitting software. LSE using the ideal linear model yielded a high RMS error and was deemed unreliable for use in controller design. Thus, the use of the non-linear model was proposed and verified in simulation. This scheme will then be implemented in hardware for further investigation.