Experimental demonstration of static shape control. [using flexible beam facility for large space structure development

Results of a microprocessor-controlled implementation of static shape control using a specially constructed flexible beam facility are presented. The discussion covers the development of shape control algorithms, adaptation of the algorithms for use with finite element models, construction of a flexible beam, characterization and calibration of the facility, development of a finite element model for the beam, and the development of computer hardware and software. It is shown that feedback control yields better results than open-loop control, and that the use of more than two sensors in the control loop has little effect on the system performance.