Validation of Hydraulic Cylinder Cushion Design Model

The design process used to determine hydraulic cushion geometry involves trial and error with physical components and thus requires substantial costs and time.  We have a computer model built to enable virtual prototyping. To validate this model, we have built a physical test stand with a cylinder equipped with a tapered cushion. We will gather data from the test stand to better the model. My contribution was to make this test stand a reality by incorporating sensors, designing and building hydraulic circuits, and coding Danfoss microcontrollers for solenoid valves and cRIO for data acquisition. The model has potential to better the current design process and will save valuable time and money.