Sliding contact conditions using the master–slave approach with application on geometrically non-linear beams

Frictionless sliding conditions between two bodies are usually defined using either the method of Lagrangian multipliers or by prescribing an artificial (penalty) stiffness which resists the penetration at the contact point. Both of these methods impose the condition that the contact force should be normal to the contact surface, with the Lagrangian multiplier or the penalty parameter serving as a measure of this force. In this work, an alternative approach is undertaken: the frictionless sliding condition is defined through a relationship between nodal parameters of the virtual displacements of a discretised principle of virtual work. This method, which does not involve additional force parameters or degrees of freedom, is known as the master–slave or the minimum-set method and is particularly convenient for displacement-based finite-element implementation. The method is analysed in detail in context of bilateral sliding constraints characteristic of prismatic and cylindrical joints in flexible beam assemblies undergoing large overall motion. Two numerical examples are presented and assessed against the results in the literature.     

基于有限时间收敛的双臂空间机器人捕获卫星主动对接力/位姿阻抗控制

针对双臂空间机器人捕获卫星主动对接力/位姿阻抗控制进行了研究.为防止捕获过程中机械臂末端执行器与卫星接触、碰撞时产生的冲击载荷对机器人关节造成冲击破坏,在各关节电机与机械臂之间加入了一种弹簧阻尼缓冲机构.该机构可通过弹簧实现冲击力矩的卸载,阻尼器则用于因弹簧引起的柔性振动的抑制.为解决捕获过程中的非完整动力学约束及捕获后混合体系统的协调控制问题,结合牛顿第三定律、捕获点的速度约束及闭链几何约束,获得捕获后混合体系统的动力学方程,且通过动量守恒关系计算碰撞冲击效应与碰撞冲击力.通过分析对接装置在载体坐标系下的运动学关系,建立对接装置相对载体的运动雅可比矩阵,并基于此建立基于力的二阶线性阻抗模型,实现对接装置输出力的精确控制.考虑到主动对接操作过程要求控制器具有收敛速度快,控制精度高的特点,通过结合终端滑模与超扭滑模的特点,提出一种非奇异快速终端滑模阻抗控制策略.该策略即能实现主动对接操作中位姿与输出力的快速响应,又能有效地抑制滑模的抖振以保证控制精度.通过Lyapunov定理证明系统的稳定性;利用数值模拟验证缓冲装置的抗冲击性能及所提阻抗控制策略的有效性.     

Analysis of effects of differential gain on dynamic stability of digital force control

The paper presents an analytical investigation of the dynamics of digital force control. A one degree-of-freedom (DoF) mechanical system with low viscous damping is subjected to proportional-derivative (PD) force control. Analytical results are presented in the form of stability charts in the parameter space of sampling time, control gains and mechanical parameters. Simple closed form results include the largest stable proportional gain and the least steady state force error that provide synthesis of mechanical and control system parameter influences for the design of digital force control. Also, a novel analytical explanation is given why even the properly filtered force derivative signal is rarely used in practice, and why the occurring vibrations have frequencies one range smaller than that of the sampling frequency of the digital control.     

Nonlinear dynamics of hardware-in-the-loop experiments on stick–slip phenomena

A single degree-of-freedom nonlinear mechanical model of the stick–slip phenomenon is studied when the Stribeck-type friction force is emulated by means of a digitally controlled actuator. The relative velocity of the slipping contact surfaces is considered as bifurcation parameter. The original physical system presents subcritical Hopf bifurcation with a wide bistable parameter region where stick–slip and steady-state slipping are both stable locally. Hardware-in-the-loop experiments are performed with a physical oscillatory system subjected to the emulated Stribeck forces. The effect of sampling time is studied with respect to the stability and nonlinear behavior of this experimental system. The existence of subcritical Neimark–Sacker bifurcations are proven in the digital system, the stability and bifurcation characteristics of the continuous and the digital systems are compared, and the counter-intuitive stabilizing effect of sampling time is shown both analytically and experimentally. The conclusions draw the attention to the limitations of hardware-in-the-loop experiments when the corresponding systems are strongly nonlinear.     

多机械臂搬运同一物体的协调动态载荷分配

针对多机械臂共同搬运同一物体形成闭运动链的协调系统,研究了多机械臂协调动态载荷分配存在冗余情况下的实时性分配方法文中提出了“应集中惯性质量棒”的概念,进而根据各机械臂的承载能力,采用线性加权的方法发展了一种操作物体质心处零内力的载荷分配原则。最后给出了系统载荷分配的解析表达式,有效地解决了多机械臂搬运同一物体时其动态载荷分配的实时性问题。     

基于柔性机构捕捉卫星的空间机器人动态缓冲从顺控制

研究了空间机器人在轨捕获非合作卫星过程避免关节受碰撞冲击破坏的缓冲从顺控制问题, 为此在机械臂与关节电机之间配置了一种柔性机构, 其作用在于: (1)在接触、碰撞阶段可通过其内置弹簧的变形来吸收被捕获卫星对空间机器人关节产生的冲击力矩; (2)在镇定运动阶段, 结合与之配合的缓冲从顺控制策略来适时开、关关节电机, 以保证关节受到的冲击力矩受限在安全范围. 首先, 利用多刚体系统理论获得配置柔性机构空间机器人及目标卫星分体系统动力学方程; 之后, 结合整个系统动量守恒关系, 捕获操作后系统运动几何关系及力的传递规律, 建立了两者形成联合体系统的动力学方程, 并计算了碰撞过程的冲击效应与冲击力. 为了实现失稳联合体系统的镇定控制, 提出了一种基于动态面的缓冲从顺控制方案. 上述控制方案可在实现吸收捕获操作产生的冲击力矩的同时, 还能在冲击力矩过大时适时开启、关闭关节电机, 以避免关节电机发生破坏; 此外, 动态面的引入避免了反演法存在的计算膨胀问题, 有效减少了计算量. 基于Lyapunov函数法证明了系统的稳定性, 并通过系统数值仿真结果验证了上述缓冲从顺控制策略的正确性.      

BUFFER AND COMPLIANT DYNAMIC SURFACE CONTROL OF SPACE ROBOT CAPTURING SATELLITE BASED ON COMPLIANT MECHANISM$^{\bf 1)}$

研究了空间机器人在轨捕获非合作卫星过程避免关节受碰撞冲击破坏的缓冲从顺控制问题, 为此在机械臂与关节电机之间配置了一种柔性机构, 其作用在于: (1)在接触、碰撞阶段可通过其内置弹簧的变形来吸收被捕获卫星对空间机器人关节产生的冲击力矩; (2)在镇定运动阶段, 结合与之配合的缓冲从顺控制策略来适时开、关关节电机, 以保证关节受到的冲击力矩受限在安全范围. 首先, 利用多刚体系统理论获得配置柔性机构空间机器人及目标卫星分体系统动力学方程; 之后, 结合整个系统动量守恒关系, 捕获操作后系统运动几何关系及力的传递规律, 建立了两者形成联合体系统的动力学方程, 并计算了碰撞过程的冲击效应与冲击力. 为了实现失稳联合体系统的镇定控制, 提出了一种基于动态面的缓冲从顺控制方案. 上述控制方案可在实现吸收捕获操作产生的冲击力矩的同时, 还能在冲击力矩过大时适时开启、关闭关节电机, 以避免关节电机发生破坏; 此外, 动态面的引入避免了反演法存在的计算膨胀问题, 有效减少了计算量. 基于Lyapunov函数法证明了系统的稳定性, 并通过系统数值仿真结果验证了上述缓冲从顺控制策略的正确性.     

Dynamics modeling and stability of robotic systems with discrete-time force control

This paper investigates the dynamic behavior of robotic echanical systems with discrete-time force control. Force control is associated with the constrained motion of a mechanical system. A novel approach is presented to analyze the stability and performance based on the separation of constrained and admissible motions. This results in a model representing the dynamics of the constrained motion of the system. The analysis connects the complex nonlinear model of a mechanical system to a set of abstract delayed oscillators. These oscillator models make it possible to perform a detailed closed-form mathematical analysis of the stability behavior. A planar two-degree-of-freedom (DoF) mechanism is presented as an example to illustrate the material. Results are illustrated by stability charts in the parameter space of mechanical parameters, control gains and the sampling rate.     

基于虚拟力概念的柔性臂空间机器人模糊退步自适应控制算法设计

讨论了漂浮基柔性臂空间机器人系统的动力学模拟、运动轨迹跟踪控制算法设计及柔性振动主动抑制。采用多体动力学建模方法并结合假设模态法,建立了漂浮基柔性臂空间机器人的系统动力学模型。基于该模型,针对系统惯性参数未知情况,提出了刚性运动基于模糊基函数网络自适应调节的退步控制算法,以完成柔性臂空间机器人载体姿态及机械臂各关节铰的协调运动。然后,为了主动抑制系统柔性振动,运用虚拟力的概念,构造了同时反映柔性模态和刚性运动轨迹的混合期望轨迹,通过改造原有的控制算法,提出了基于虚拟力概念的模糊退步自适应控制算法;这样不但保证了之前刚性运动控制方案对模型不确定的鲁棒性,而且能主动抑制柔性振动,从而提高了轨迹跟踪性能。理论分析及数值仿真算例均表明了控制方法的可行性。     

柔性关节-柔性臂空间机器人的神经网络自适应反演控制及双重柔性振动抑制

空间机器人系统的柔性主要体现在空间机器人的臂杆和连接各臂杆之间的铰关节。由于空间机器人系统结构的复杂性,以往研究人员对同时具有柔性关节和柔性臂的系统关注不够。为此探讨了参数未知柔性关节-柔性臂空间机器人系统的动力学模拟、轨迹跟踪控制算法设计和关节、臂杆双重柔性振动的主动抑制问题。首先,采用多体动力学建模方法并结合漂浮基空间机器人固有的线动量和角动量守恒动力学特性,推导了系统的动力学方程。以此为基础,考虑到空间机器人实际应用中各关节铰具有较强柔性的情况,引入一种关节柔性补偿控制器解决了传统奇异摄动法应用受关节柔性限制问题,导出了适用于控制系统算法设计的数学模型。然后,利用该模型,基于反演思想在慢时标子系统中设计神经网络自适应控制算法来补偿系统参数未知和柔性关节引起的转动误差,实现系统运动轨迹跟踪性能;针对快时标子系统,设计了鲁棒最优控制算法抑制因柔性关节及柔性臂引起的系统双重弹性振动,保证系统的稳定性。最后,通过仿真对比实验验证了所设计控制算法的有效性。     

A general method for impact dynamic analysis of a planar multi-body system with a rolling ball bearing joint

Impact affects the dynamic characteristics of mechanical multi-body systems and damages those rotating parts, such as the joint rolling element bearings, which are high-precision, defect intolerant components. Based on multi-body dynamic theory, Hertzian contact theory, and a continuous contact model, this study proposed a modelling method that can describe the dynamic behaviour of planar mechanical multi-body systems containing a rolling ball bearing joint under impact. In this method, the rigid bodies and bearing joint were connected according to their joint force constraints; the impact constraint between the multi-body system and the target rigid body was constructed using a continuous contact force model. Based on this method, the reflection relationship between the external impacts of the mechanical multi-body system and the variation law governing the dynamic load on the rolling bearing joint were revealed. Subsequently, an impact multi-body system, which was composed of a sliding–crank mechanism containing a rolling ball bearing joint and the target rigid body with an elastic support, was analysed to explore the dynamic response of such a complex discontinuous dynamic system andthe relevant relationship governing the dynamic load on the rolling bearing joint. In addition, a multi-body dynamic simulation software was used to build a virtual prototype of the impact slider–crank system. Compared with the theoretical model, the prototype had an additional deep groove ball bearing. That is to say, the prototype model took account of the specific geometric structural characteristics and the complex contact relationship of the inner and outer races, rolling balls, and bearing cage. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical method proposed in this study was verified by comparative analysis of the results. The results suggested that the external impact of a mechanical multi-body system was prone to induce sudden changes in the equivalent reaction force on its bearing joint and the dynamic load carried on its rolling balls. This study provided an effective method for exploring the distribution characteristics of dynamic loads on rolling ball bearing joints under working impact load conditions. Moreover, it offered support for the parameter optimisation of geometric structure, performance evaluation, and dynamic design of the rolling ball bearings.     

Soft-impact dynamics of deformable bodies

Systems constituted by impacting beams and rods of non-negligible mass are often encountered in many applications of engineering practice. The impact between two rigid bodies is an intrinsically indeterminate problem due to the arbitrariness of the velocities after the instantaneous impact and implicates an infinite value of the contact force. The arbitrariness of after-impact velocities is solved by releasing the impenetrability condition as an internal constraint of the bodies and by allowing for elastic deformations at contact during an impact of finite duration. In this paper, the latter goal is achieved by interposing a concentrate spring between a beam and a rod at their contact point, simulating the deformability of impacting bodies at the interaction zones. A reliable and convenient method for determining impact forces is also presented. An example of engineering interest is carried out: a flexible beam that impacts on an axially deformable strut. The solution of motion under a harmonic excitation of the beam built-in base is found in terms of transverse and axial displacements of the beam and rod, respectively, by superimposition of a finite number of modal contributions. Numerical investigations are performed in order to examine the influence of the rigidity of the contact spring and of the ratio between the first natural frequencies of the beam and the rod, respectively, on the system response, namely impact velocity, maximum displacement, spring stretching and contact force. Impact velocity diagrams, nonlinear resonance curves and phase portraits are presented to determine regions of periodic motion with impacts and the appearance of chaotic solutions, and parameter ranges where the functionality of the non-structural element is at risk.     

求解接触问题的一种新的实验误差法

提出了一种带松弛因子的UZAW算法求解实验误差法中给定状态下的位移和接触力满足的等式方程，并证明了该算法是R超线性收敛的。整个区域被划分为多个子区域，不同子区域位移场的求解是独立的。还提出了一种带参数的以不完全因子分解为基础的预条件子共轭梯度法求解不同子区域位移场，该算法在块体规模较大时更加有效。     

The relative variance criterion for stability of delay systems

A new approach to the study of delay systems, applicable to physiological control systems and other systems where little information about the time delays is available, is examined. The method is based on the fact that stability information can be deduced from the statistical properties of the probability distribution that encodes the structure of the time delay. The main statistical variables used are the usual expectation parameter,E, and a modified variance, calledrelative variance and denotedR, that is invariant under time scale changes. Recent work of the author has shown that stability often improves asR increases whileE remains fixed. A four-parameter family of delay models is analysed in this paper, and the (E, R) pair is found to be a reliable indicator of stability over the global parameter domain of the family.     

基于步态切换的欠驱动双足机器人控制方法

由于高维、非线性、欠驱动等特点, 3-D双足机器人的稳定性控制依然是一个研究难点. 一些传统的控制方法, 如基于事件的反馈控制方法和PD控制方法, 抗扰动能力较弱, 鲁棒性较差. 通过观察, 人类受到外部扰动影响时, 会通过调整步态重新获得稳定性,相较之下仅依靠一个步态获得的稳定性是有限的. 受此启发, 本文针对上述问题提出一种基于步态切换的欠驱动3-D双足机器人控制方法. 首先, 以能耗最少为优化目标, 通过非线性优化方法预先设计多组不同步长、步速的步态作为参考步态, 以构建一个步态库; 然后, 通过综合考虑步态切换过程中的稳定性与能效, 建立了多目标步态切换函数; 最后, 将该步态切换函数作为优化目标, 并求解该最小化问题获得下一步的参考步态, 从而实现步态切换, 达到使用步态库?多轨迹方法来提高鲁棒性的目的. 在仿真实验中运用该步态切换控制方法, 欠驱动3-D双足机器人可实现相对高度在[-20, 20] mm内随机变化的不平整地面上行走, 而仅采用单步态控制策略则无法克服这样的外部扰动, 从而说明了基于步态切换的欠驱动双足机器人控制方法的有效性.      

Methods for obtaining sufficient conditions for the stability of autonomous conservative systems

A computational method for obtaining sufficient conditions for the stability of the stationary solution of autonomous conservative systems is proposed in the paper. This method is adapted to linear autonomous gyroscopic systems with three degrees of freedom. It is based on the positive definiteness of a parametric quadratic form composed of the gyroscopic force matrices and the potential function. The control parameters for the stability of the zero solution of the gyroscopic system are the entries of the gyroscopic force matrix. The algorithm of the computational method includes estimating one gyroscopic force parameter in the equation constructed from a necessary stability condition.A special example is used to demonstrate the application of this algorithm. Comparison is performed with some well-known methods for obtaining sufficient conditions on the basis of an incomplete set of first integrals of motion. It is shown that the positive definiteness of the modified potential energy may result in stable as well as unstable motions.     

Delay-induced bifurcations in collocated position control of an elastic arm

The interference of the elasticity of a single robotic arm and the unavoidable time delay of its position control is analysed from nonlinear vibrations viewpoint. The simplified mechanical model of two blocks and a connecting spring considers the first vibration mode of the arm, while the collocated proportional-derivative (PD) control uses the state of the first block only and actuates also there. It is assumed that the relevant nonlinearity is the saturation of the delayed control force. The linear stability analysis proves that stabilizable and non-stabilizable parameter regions follow each other periodically even for large spring stiffnesses and for tiny time delays. Hopf bifurcation calculation is carried out after an infinite-dimensional centre manifold reduction, and closed-form algebraic expressions are given for the amplitudes of the emerging oscillations. These results support the experimental tuning of the control gains since the parameters of the arising and often unexpected self-excited vibrations can serve as a guide for this practical procedure.

     

有约束阻尼的非保守力学系统的稳定性

利用Ｌｙａｐｕｎｏｖ直接法，研究了有势力、陀螺力、Ｒａｙｌｅｉｇｈ阻尼和约束阻尼同时作用的非线性非保守力学系统的稳定性．假设陀螺力依赖某参数ｈ，得到系统渐近稳定的两个定理．     

Discrete element method-based studies on dynamic interactions of a lugged wheel with granular media

Terramechanics plays an important role in determining the design and control of autonomous robots and other vehicles that move on granular surfaces. Traction capabilities, slippage, and sinkage of a robot are governed by the interaction of a robot’s appendage with the operating terrain. It is important to understand how the terrain flows under this appendage during such an interaction. In this work, dynamics of soil performance and locomotion performance of a lugged wheel travelling on soft soil are numerically investigated. Studies are conducted with a two-dimensional model by using the discrete element method to analyze the interactions between a lugged wheel and the soil. The soil performance is studied by examining the force distribution and evolution of force networks during the course of the wheel travel. For two different control modes, namely, slip-based wheel control and angular velocity-based wheel control, the performance parameters such as, sinkage, traction, traction efficiency, and power consumption of the wheel are compared for various wheel configurations. The findings of this work are expected to be useful for optimal design and control of the lugged wheel travelling on deformable surfaces.     

The effect of waist twisting on walking speed of an amphibious salamander like robot

Amphibious salamanders often swing their waist to coordinate quadruped walking in order to improve their crawling speed. A robot with a swing waist joint, like an amphibious salamander, is used to mimic this locomotion. A control method is designed to allow the robot to maintain the rotational speed of its legs continuous and avoid impact between its legs and the ground. An analytical expression is established between the amplitude of the waist joint and the step length. Further, an optimization amplitude is obtained corresponding to the maximum stride. The simulation results based on automatic dynamic analysis of mechanical systems (ADAMS) and physical experiments verify the rationality and validity of this expression.