| This dissertation presents the development of novel methods, models, and techniques for designing, evaluating, and characterizing the performance of precision dynamic motion control systems. Several areas have been addressed including modeling of advanced actuators, design of novel flexure mechanisms, a dual-stage multi-axis motion control platform and an investigation of the integration and performance of passive damping treatments. Static and dynamic models are developed for the single crystal actuators in conjunction with a unique flexure mechanism to optimize motion control performance. Two motion control systems using single crystal actuators have been developed which include a novel flexure mechanism and a unique dual actuation stage. These systems provide enhanced dynamic characteristics such as linear response and frequency response of positioning systems. Finally, passive damping has been integrated into lightweight honeycomb structures using energy absorbing foams. At frequencies of greater than around 1 kHz, the energy absorbing foam demonstrated considerable damping properties attenuating resonant peaks in some cases by more than 50% while only adding 6% added mass to the overall lightweight structures. The combination of these techniques has the potential to significantly enhance precision dynamic characteristics of a broad range of dynamic systems with applications in this thesis ranging from motion control devices, measurement scanning systems and adaptive structures. |
