Servomechanism Performance: Determination of the Best Values of the Parameters when Rotating a Large Mass through a given Angular Distance

The problem of rotating a single large mass through a given angular distance so that the performance shall meet given specifications is considered. Initially it is assumed that the general nature of the torque which can be applied is prescribed, but that certain parameters are at our disposal; the practical determination of the best values of the parameters is considered. For the analogous electrical problem, this is equivalent to determining the best values of certain resistances, capacitances and inductances in a given network containing variable elements. But in order to solve the problem it is more effective to make alterations and additions to the network, so that it becomes equivalent to one having the required performance, and the way in which this can be achieved for the single rotating mass is discussed. The restriction to a single‐mass system is merely for convenience and simplicity; the procedure here discussed is perfectly general.