BALL AND BEAM APPARATUS

The Ball and Beam Apparatus shows the control problems of unstable systems, for example a rocket or missile during launch, which needs active control to prevent the missile going unstable and toppling over.

The apparatus has a steel ball which is free to roll on two parallel tensioned wires. The wires are on a beam that pivots at its centre. A servo motor controls the beam angle and sensors measure the beam angle and ball position. The basic control problem is to vary the beam angle to control the ball position. The system is a double integrator, so it is naturally unstable. It needs active feedback control using phase-advance methods.

Key features

• Self-contained, compact benchtop unit that mimics a real control problem in unstable systems, such as missile or rocket take-off
• Highly visual apparatus, with moving ball and front panel mimic diagram of the process so students can see what they are controlling
• All inputs and outputs buffered for connection to TecQuipment’s optional controllers or other suitable controllers
• For basic and advanced experiments with angle, velocity and position control

Essential Base Unit

• Controller (CE120) – A controller with analogue and digital controls and instruments
  or
• Digital Interface (CE122) – An interface which connects between most products in the Control Engineering range and a suitable computer (not included)
  or
• Other suitable controller with +/– 10 V inputs and outputs

Both the CE120 and the CE122 include TecQuipment’s CE2000 Control Software with editable, pre-made control experiments for use with the CE106.

View the control engineering product flyer here.