Harnessing Force Controlled Linear Actuators

Texas A&M University’s Breakthrough in Coastal Erosion Control

Dr. Anand Puppala’s Research Group at The University of Texas A&M is developing a laboratory replica of a wave flume generator featuring the Orca-6-LITE to address the coastal soil erosion impacting transportation infrastructure in Texas. Through their project, the group seeks to implement sustainable practices that not only address current erosion challenges but also contribute to long-term resilience and coastal preservation. The main challenge for this group was finding linear actuators that balanced cost-effectiveness with force fidelity. The existing motor solutions on the market were excessively powerful for the project's needs, resulting in unnecessary expenses and energy consumption. The Orca-6-LITE electronic actuator emerged as an ideal solution due to its affordability and ability to meet specific power requirements with high precision.

The Problem at Hand

The Coastal Dynamics project addresses critical issues arising from erosion along Texas' coastline, affecting vital transportation infrastructure. The erosion is particularly severe at the edges of highways and slopes, leading to notable damage and significant financial implications for state authorities. These challenges jeopardize coastal transportation infrastructure requiring an urgent resolution.

Fostering a Composite Solution

Mangroves are renowned for their resilience in coastal environments, utilizing their stems and roots to stabilize shorelines and mitigate erosion naturally. By harnessing these natural features, the group aims to create a composite solution that can effectively combat this erosion and protect infrastructure along Texas' vulnerable coastlines. The first step to creating this composite solution is to develop a wave flume generator allowing the research team to simulate and study the impact of waves on different coastal structures. 

Orca-6-LITE as An Ideal Product Fit

This project utilized an Orca-6-LITE with a custom shaft to meet its requirements.                                                                                            The following key functionalities of the force-controlled linear actuator were especially                                                                                    vital to the success of the project.

• • Full Integration: The focus of the project was to achieve specific wave heights, primarily determined by the precise movement of the piston. The built-in thread on the front of the shaft enabled this group to attach a thin polyester plate to act like a flap in the wave flume, eliminating the need to purchase and integrate separate parts to accomplish this function.  
  • Force Measurement: The integrated force sensor enables precise determination of wave dynamics. This functionality enabled establishing correlations that accurately gauge the energy transferred to mimic natural conditions for mangroves, crucial for optimizing their approach and ensuring effective simulation of environmental dynamics.
  • Simple Installation: The motor's design includes various mounting locations, facilitating minimal adjustment of their flume setup. This ensures ease of setup and optimal flexible positioning for their experiments.

Final Thoughts

Texas A&M's research group is dedicated to developing a nature-inspired solution to combat coastal soil erosion. Key to their efforts is the integration of the Orca-6-LITE linear motor, chosen for its precise control and efficient power management, essential for achieving specific wave conditions and conducting accurate force measurements. This approach underscores their commitment to innovative solutions that address critical environmental challenges while ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of their methods.