Comparison between elastomeric passive isolators and LQR active control in stone cutting process : modelling and simulation

Abstract

This paper focuses on the problem of mechanical vibrations induced in the cutting process of stone and marble in stone cutting machines. The study leads to sustainable stone cutting operations by saving energy, further finishing and providing noise clean environment. This periodic force induced in the cutting area is reduced passively by using an elastomeric pad that isolates the base of the machine from the head and the table. Adding less than 2.5% of passive damping ratio to the isolator could reduce the level of vibration on the saw blade and on the table. To reduce the propagation of these vibrations through the base into the floor, another elastomeric pad is mounted under the machine. This pad reduces the propagation of oscillations through the floor to the other places in the factory. Another solution is presented to reduce the vibrations in the whole structure significantly by regulating the input force this one is controlled by the LQR method. The controller has the capability to regulate the vibrations in the structure by solving the Riccati equation to compute the optimal response for the input force to perform the required tasks.