Bond Graph Modeling and Simulation of Dynamic Characteristics of a Pneumatic System with an Air Cushion Cylinder

In this paper the dynamic model of a pneumatic system containing an air cushion cylinder is built by using bond graph method. Bond graphs are extended to deal with non-linearities and multiports in the form of equations by using the language SIDOPS+. Simulations are carried out with different working parameters such as openings of cushion needle valve. Simulation results are verified by experiments. Finally, an optimal opening of the cushion needle valve under a certain working condition is obtained by running multiple simulations with parameter sweep. The bond graph simulation can help to predict the performance of the air cushion and to determine the optimal opening of cushion needle valve.