Test-Bed to Measure the Performance Criteria of Actuators

In order to complete the actuator test architecture considering all the possible situations, a dynamic and nonlinear test environment was required. The Nonlinear Test Bed for Actuators (NTBA) was created to measure and record an array of physical properties during nonlinear load experiments. In order to simulate the most general situations during real operation of the actuator, two different types of loads (such as load motor with harmonic drive, and a non- linear load produced by a four bar linkages) can be applied. The NTBA will validate if the proposed prime mover criteria can be accurately obtain through experimentation and their usefulness in developing the operationa l performance envelopes.
We will discuss the procedure to build the test bed and the capability of each component in the test bed to generate the required physical performance information.