Cascade Control Method for Conducting Hybrid Simulation with Stiff Specimens

Cascade Control is an innovative closed-loop control method designed for conducting high-fidelity hybrid simulation experiments using very stiff substructure test specimens. It features an outer loop that accepts displacement commands from the FEA model, and an inner loop that provides the force control needed to accurately excite test specimens that exhibit little or no displacement. Three test cases, each comparing an FEA simulation with hybrid simulations using cascade and displacement control, were conducted on MTS Landmark load frames and the University of Minnesota's Multi-Axial Subassemblage Test (MAST) system. In all cases, cascade control proved effective for hybrid simulation with stiff specimens.
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