Compensating For Friction In A Rotation-Testing Turntable

Abstract

Proposed turntable for testing heavy equipment in rotation driven by two motors. One operates under actuator commands from position-control subsystem; rotates turntable to commanded angular positions according to specifications for test. Other operates under actuator commands from friction-compensating control subsystem; cancels effect of frictional torque in and on turntable, so equipment tested as though in nearly frictionless environment. Conceived for testing angular-positioning systems for spacecraft solar arrays weighing several tons; equally useful for effectively frictionless rotational testing of heavy terrestrial equipment.