Modelling and design of a coupled system of multiple hydraulic systems and large structures

Abstract

Control of large structures often involves the use of hydraulic equipment due to the large power requirements. In this study, a large telescope is taken as an example of a large structure. A large telescope is equipped with hydraulic support systems to adjust the deformation of the structure, as changes in its pointing direction and ambient temperature deform the structure and reduce the telescope's observational performance. In previous studies, hydraulic support system elements and piping paths have been discussed, but quantitative evaluations and design considerations for the overall system performance of multiple hydraulic support systems and telescope structures have not been discussed. In this paper, simple transfer function models are derived for a coupled system of multiple hydraulic support systems and telescope structures, which allow the static and dynamic transient response characteristics to be evaluated. A design example using these transfer function models is also proposed and it is shown that the selected design parameters enable the large telescope to meet the specifications.

Keywords

• large structure
• large telescope
• modeling
• piping
• piston
• hydrostatic bearing
• accumulator
• transfer function
• hydraulic actuator
• parametric design