Actuators

Linear and rotary actuators for one- and two-way motion control

Use these blocks to model actuation in the isothermal liquid domain.

Simscape Blocks

Double-Acting Actuator (G-IL)	Linear actuator with isothermal liquid and gas chambers (Since R2020a)
Double-Acting Rotary Actuator (IL)	Double-acting rotary actuator in an isothermal liquid system (Since R2020a)
Double-Acting Actuator (IL)	Linear conversion of pressure differential to actuation in an isothermal liquid system (Since R2020a)
Rotating Single-Acting Actuator (IL)	Actuator on a rotating shaft in an isothermal liquid network (Since R2020a)
Single-Acting Rotary Actuator (IL)	Single-acting rotary actuator in an isothermal liquid system (Since R2020a)
Single-Acting Actuator (IL)	Single-acting linear actuator in an isothermal liquid system (Since R2020a)
Cylinder Cushion (IL)	Cushion in cylinder in isothermal liquid network (Since R2020a)
Cylinder Friction (IL)	Adds friction to cylinders with moving components (Since R2020a)
Rotating Cylinder Force (IL)	Centripetal pressure gradient for components in an isothermal liquid system (Since R2020a)

Featured Examples

Hydraulic Actuator with Dual Counterbalance Valves

An actuator controlled by a 4-way directional valve and loaded with an overriding load, requiring the use of counterbalance valves to prevent the load from creeping when the directional valve is in the neutral position. In the neutral position, the directional valve connects ports A and B to the reservoir while blocking the pressure port P. The counterbalance valves block flow from returning to the reservoir, thus holding the actuator in place.

Open Model

Sequencing Circuit for Two Rotary Actuators

A sequencing circuit that is based on four check valves installed in the pressure and return lines of the second rotary actuator. The cracking pressure of the meter-in check valves is set high enough to prevent flow into rotary actuator 2 while rotary actuator 1 is rotating, but lower than the pressure that develops once rotary actuator 1 reaches its hard stop. As a result, rotary actuator 2 starts moving only after rotary actuator 1 completes its stroke.

Open Model

Drill-Ream Actuator

An actuator that drives a machine tool working unit performing a sequence of three technological operations: coarse drilling, fine drilling, and reaming. The actuator speed is controlled by one of three pressure-compensated flow control valves metering out return flow from the cylinder. The selection of an appropriate flow control is performed by directional valves that are activated by a control unit.

Open Model

Closed-Circuit Hydraulic Actuator

A closed-circuit hydraulic actuator driven by a variable-speed pump. The actuator is arranged as a closed fluid system with two replenishment valves (check valves) and a spring-loaded accumulator serving as a replenishment reservoir. The pump speed is controlled by the difference between the commanded and measured piston position. The actuator acts against a spring, a damper, and a time-varying load.

Open Model

Front-Loader Actuation System

A simplified version of an actuation system consisting of the lift and tilt cylinders. Each cylinder is controlled by an open center, 6-way, 3-position directional valve. The valves are connected in series through their unloading branch such that the system pump is unloaded when both command levers are in neutral position. If either tilt or lift command is applied, the unloading path is closed.

Open Model

Pressure Control Solenoid

Model, parameterize, and test a pressure control solenoid valve. This example also generates a plot of the relationship between applied solenoid force and the resulting actuator port pressure.

Open Model

Single-Stage Primary Cylinder

Model, parameterize and test a single-stage primary cylinder starting from manufacturer datasheet information. Given the numerical data extracted from the datasheet, the unknown parameters are calculated. The model is then simulated and the resulting push rod force versus pressure relationship curve is compared with curve provided on the manufacturer datasheet.

Open Model

Secondary Cylinder

Model, parameterize and, test a secondary cylinder. Given the numerical data extracted from the datasheet of the single-stage primary cylinder, the unknown parameters of the secondary cylinder are calculated. The model is simulated to generate the plot between the applied force to the single-stage primary cylinder and the pressure developed inside the secondary cylinder.

Open Model

Tandem Primary Cylinder

Model, parameterize and test a tandem primary cylinder starting from manufacturer datasheet information. First, there is a brief discussion on the mathematical modeling of the system. Given the numerical data extracted from the datasheet, optimization is then used to determine remaining unknown parameters. The model is then simulated and the resulting push rod force - brake pressure relationship curve is compared with the curve provided on the manufacturer datasheet. Understanding the behavior of the tandem primary cylinder is an important prerequisite to selection of other braking system components.

Open Model

Power-Assisted Steering Mechanism

A simplified version of a power-assisted steering mechanism. The hydraulic actuation system includes a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, 4-way valve, fixed-displacement pump, and a pressure-relief valve. The steering rack acts against a load modeled by a spring and damper.

Open Model

Hydraulic Axial-Piston Pump with Load-Sensing and Pressure-Limiting Control

A test rig designed to investigate the interaction between an axial-piston pump and a typical control unit simultaneously performing the load-sensing and pressure-limiting functions. To increase the fidelity of the simulation, this example uses a detailed model of the pump that accounts for the interaction between the pistons, swash plate, and valve plate.

Open Model

Pressure Reducing Valve Test Harness

Model, parameterize, and test a pressure reducing valve. The model is used to generate a plot of the regulation curve i.e. a plot of flow vs regulated pressure. This plot can be compared with the characteristics from the manufacturer datasheet to verify the test harness. The regulation curve displays two valve functions namely the reducing function and the relieving function. The reducing valve remains open when the pressure at the secondary port is less than a specified pressure, known as the set pressure. When the pressure at the secondary port meets or surpasses the set pressure, the reducing valve closes. In the regulation curve, the region of positive flow represents the phase when the reducing valve is open and gradually closes. The pressure reducing valve used in this example has a check valve that relieves pressure when the secondary pressure is about to surpass the set pressure. During this phase, the hydraulic fluid escapes via the check valve to the primary port keeping the secondary pressure constant at the set pressure. The region of negative flow in the regulation curve represents the phase when the pressure reducing valve is closed and the check valve opens gradually. Pressure reducing valves are used in industry to limit and maintain pressure during operations like hydraulic pressing, punching, drilling and stamping.

Open Model