Super High Speed Actuators (30-35 ft/sec)?!

[sgs550]

I'm looking for an actuator that can achieve speeds in the range of 30-35 ft/sec (360-420 in/sec) and handle a force in the 100-200 lb range.
I was considering a high pressure air cylinder type actuator but most of the companies I talk to say their cylinders can't go anywhere near this fast.
I found a picture of a setup similar to what I'm trying to build, and it looks like they're using some kind of pneumatic setup. Open to other options too though.
Does anyone have experience with super high speed actuators, or know of a product that might work for these high speeds?

 

[hydtools]

http://edge.rit.edu/edge/OldEDGE/public/Archives/P05423/Sponsor.htm

Ted

 

[sgs550]

Yes, I have already become quite familiar with that RIT senior design project. The test I want to perform is the same; however, I do not want to build such a massive test setup. The pneumatic setup in the picture I've posted a couple of times would be preferred for it's size and simplicity, if I can figure out the appropriate air cylinder to use...

 

[hydtools]

Now you need to know the weight of the fixture, connector to be tested, piston rod(s), the stuff to be accelerated in order to figure the force you need to accelerate to 30'/s in 6". I assume the 6" is the slack in the lanyard. The resulting impulse pulls the connector apart.

The force calculated will need to be constant for the 6" distance.
Ted

 

[EdStainless]

I am thinking a 1.5" or 2" cyl maybe.
A good sized accumulator close coupled to the cyl with a full flow valve (plug valve or full flow solenoid valve maybe).

I have used 'dead weight' test rigs, they can be a real pain to tune to get the correct speed and force. But once you figure it all out by trial and error they repeat very well. Then some joker wants you to test a different part and you do it all again.

The other option is a swinging pendulum test stand. The length of the arm and mass will give a very repeatable velocity and the energy measurement is very easy by the final height.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[LittleInch]

If speed is the key factor what about a screw thread? Use a spinning motor and an electric clutch?

Linear motor is your next best thing.


All the air pistons just won't have a fixed velocity.

A force controlled falling weight is your other main option.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[IRstuff]

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