Feasibility Study of a Nonlinear Servo-Collimator Position Control System by Means of Analog Computer

摘要

A biomedical application for a servo-controlled multijaw collimator exists at LAMPF in which the collimator provides transverse control over the beam spot size in conjunction with longitudinal control of penetration depth from the range shifter. A linear position servo is the obvious choice, but design constraints and the physical hardware required introduce numerous nonlinear and quasi-nonlinear effects. A simulation by analog computer of one degree of freedom has provided enough information to conclude that the preliminary design concept is feasible, even in the presence of nonlinear friction and amplifier saturation, if the drive belt is sufficiently stiff. (ERA citation 04:001252)