Developing a Feedback Control System Using Electromagnets to Increase the Stiffness of a Circular Saw Blade

This document covers the research performed in developing a feedback control system using electromagnets to increase the stiffness of a circular saw blade. A finite element analysis was performed in a model of a saw blade to determine there the electromagnets should be placed relative to the new saw blade. Experimental tests were performed with each component of the system to determine their characteristics. A mathematical model of the complete feedback control system was developed in Simulink. Various tests were performed to determine what parameters could be changed in order to get the desired response out of the system. A prototype of the system was designed and build. Tests were run with the prototype to determine the effectiveness of the feedback control system.