Dynamics Open Design Project

Dynamics Open Design Project This project was completed for a Dynamics open design project and focuses on modeling, simulating, and controlling a telescopic boom bucket truck system. The goal of the project was to analyze the motion of the rotating boom and develop a control approach that stabilizes the system back to a desired equilibrium angle. Using a simplified planar model, our team created schematics, derived the kinematics and equations of motion, and developed a MATLAB simulation and animation to study the system response. The project specifically investigates how spring and damping coefficients affect stability, overshoot, oscillation, settling time, and torque demand on the rotating shaft. By comparing low, normal, and high spring-damper values, the simulation shows how improper control parameters can cause excessive oscillation or torque, while properly selected values allow the system to return smoothly to equilibrium. This project connects real-world mechanical system behavior with dynamic modeling, simulation, and control design. Key project features: - Telescopic boom bucket truck system - Simplified seesaw-style dynamic model - Spring-damper control system - Equations of motion and kinematic analysis - MATLAB simulation and animation Created for Dynamics at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Summer 2025. Group Members: Nilton DaSilva, Zach Melvin, Charles Stockstill