Implementation of control elements in FEM calculations of machine tools

In structural dynamic calculations of machine tools, coupled systems play a decisive role. The article shows the implementation of additional differential equations, representing the control, in a FEM environment on the example of ANSYS. Therefore, the existing cascade control, which is typical in machine tool feed axes, can be considered directly in the FEM environment. By merging into a macro, an element which is particularly easy to handle is created. The applications in analyses in the time- and frequency range are discussed in a couple of examples.

► We show step by step the implementation of linear control equations in the FEM program ANSYS.
► A coupled mechatronic simulation for tool machines is possible by consideration of the cascade control.
► The method can be used for transient and frequency response analyses.
► The results of two examples are compared to analytical and modal reduced models and show good agreement.