ABSTRACT
The first of a new generation of Earthquake Simulators (EQS) will be commissioned at C-CORE in early 2002. This EQS is capable of generating a 40 g’s sine acceleration on a 400 kg model at frequencies up to 200 Hz and more. This 220kN actuator may generate larger acceleration up to 60 g’s on smaller payloads. The fully computerized multi-degree of freedom control system can generate several modes of excitation such as: Sine, broadband noise or arbitrary transient waveforms with both amplitude and frequency control. Actidyn Systemes developed this new family of dynamically balanced EQS for use on medium size civil engineering centrifuges. The dynamically balanced EQS should generate high quality single or multi-degree of freedom controlled motion and reduce the stress and strain induced in the centrifuge by the model actuation. Dynamic balancing is obtained by a combination of the mechanical configuration, including balanced reciprocating motion, and advanced digital control as used in industry multiple shaker control. This paper develops the theoretical concept of this new EQS concept and the advantages it represents for research.
