Computer aided flow-turning.

The work undertaken in this research is concerned with the flow-turning process and its control using microprocessor technology. The research centres on the design of a suitable flow-turning process controller in which hardware and software are integrated together leading to a successful realisation. Microprocessor software has been developed to provide a user friendly interface with the operator. This was written in PL/M 80 which was subsequently compiled into machine code for execution on a modified commercially available single board computer. Interface circuits weredesigned and transducers and actuators selected to enable this computer to be linked to a flow-turning rig which itself was custom designed to facilitate automatic control. Considerable development work was devoted to the integrated system to produce a working controller. The endeavour was rewarded with success and a working controller has been accomplished. Experimentation and testing of the real specimens followed and the results obtained are tabulated.