Modular approach to parameter estimation in geared and linear resonant systems

This paper proposes a unified approach to the estimation of the physical parameters defining both geared and linear resonant systems, namely the dead-zone, inertia, stiffness and damping parameters. Although the technique is based on discrete-time models, it allows extraction of the continuous-time parameters from the discrete coefficients. This is facilitated by a modular procedure, involving separate locked- and unlocked-load measurements. The difference equation coefficients associated with the discrete model become trivial functions of the physical system parameters, which are computed using predetermined polynomial approximations. The reduced-order estimation modules improve noise immunity and simplify the estimation routines. Very accurate experimental results verify the utility of the approach.