Gray-fuzzy control of a nonlinear two-mass system

This study presents application of a fuzzy controller to a nonlinear two-mass system control. The proposed controller structure is strengthened with a gray estimator. Firstly, a complete state-space mathematical model for a nonlinear two-mass system is developed and numerically simulated. Then, a fuzzy controller is designed to regulate the speed of the system. In order to perform a dynamic and powerful control action, future error values are estimated by gray modeling technique. The gray estimators of the torsional torque and the load machine speed are tested with open-loop and closed-loop control structures to test the robustness of the proposed method for step changes in input parameters. It is observed that the tracking ability of the gray estimators is not influenced for different operation modes. The performances of the control structures, which are supported with gray estimators, are given and no additional feedbacks are required for robust control action. The simulation results are confirmed by experimental results and conclusions are given. (C) 2010 The Franklin Institute. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.