So I've figured (conservatively) the approximate weights of the platform.
Fuselage w/ seat 260 lbs
Pilot 250 lbs
Platform 100 lbs
Controls (w/ radio stack) 74 lbs
This comes to 684 lbs (310 kg). I'm planning a 3 DOF system, meaning each actuator supports ~105 kg. Assuming a 2.5 in. arm (5 in heave), that means I need 580 in-lbs (66 N-m) of torque!!
Now i'm not trying to reinvent the wheel. I like this design and at least at this point will be trying to immitate it.
http://www.inmotionsimulation.com/images/3-dof.jpg
Now the spring will help bring this requirement down a little, but not much. So I'm looking into motors. Does anyone have any good places to buy motors from? Or have any suggestions for using an old motor out of something? We have money to spend, but of course it's always nice to save when we can.
I still need to do more calculations so I can find exactly the performance specs I want. However is a 5" heave good enough to give the sensation? The pitch/roll will be 25°, but unless i'm forgetting something, that's controlled on where the motors are mounted offset from the centerline.
I'm also looking for advice on the power requirements to run 3 of these. Unfortunately, electrical is my weakness. I need to figure out the room's power requirements. The University has said they'd be willing to help remodel accordingly to supply adequate power. Is DC or AC a better/easier way to go?
I'm open to any ideas, comments, suggestions?
Kranky