Flying shear control system

A flying shear control system based on optimal position control with a moving target is described. Positioning is optimal in the sense of producing minimal driving torque. The position control algorithms, with appropriately selected speed parameters and armature current controllers and with a corresponding correction signal added to the blade velocity reference ensure high cutting accuracy in both discontinuous and continuous modes of operation. The algorithms also allow automatic transition from one mode to the other, thereby permitting online scrap minimization by computing the optimal combination of different custom length sections. Theoretical considerations are supported by digital simulation and experimental results. Oscillograms are presented to verify the validity of the concept. The implemented flying shear control system proved highly effective in operation.<>