Maximum effort control for oscillatory element

Maximum effort control is a method of achieving deadbeat response for a step input to an undamped second order element (two poles on the axis of the s-plane) which is preceded by a saturating amplifier. This method of control supplies the maximum available energy to the element being controlled, by driving the amplifier to saturation whenever an error is present. The realization of a maximum effort control system for an oscillatory element is found through a phase plane analysis of the equations of motion of the oscillatory element. The control system topology is also found by the analysis of a phasor representation of the transients introduced in the oscillatory element by the output of the saturating amplifier. The system was constructed to compare the experimental responses of step inputs and load disturbances, to the responses obtained from an idealized mathematical model of the system. The adaptability of the control system was tested by using it to control a damped oscillatory element. The system described will be an aid in the design of the control system which will give optimum response for random inputs to a undamped second order element which is preceded by a saturating amplifier. It also provides a method of control for systems in which it is impossible to damp poles near the axis.