Tension optimization of the 6-DOF cable-driven boat motion simulator

Abstract

The 6 degrees of freedom cable-driven boat motion simulator has eight cables and a moving platform in replicating the boat motion. The platform is connected to cables and is moved by adjusting the length of the cables. The simulator has more cables than its degrees of freedom is defined as an underdetermined system, which means the tension solution is not unique and can be optimized while controlling the platform to the desired position. Leveraging the equilibrium condition and the dynamic equation of tensegrity systems, linearized equations of motion of the moving platform were derived. A Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI)-based controller design and a convex optimization validated to stabilizing the system and optimizing cable tensions. A simulation model is suggested to verify optimized cable tension solutions and the feasibility of the LMI based controller.