Spatially Dependent Transfer Functions for Web Lateral Dynamics in Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing

Abstract

Spatially dependent transfer functions for web span lateral dynamics which provide web lateral position and slope as outputs at any location in the web span are derived in this paper. The proposed approach overcomes one of the key limitations of the existing methods which provide web lateral position only on the rollers. The approach relies on taking the Laplace transform with respect to the temporal variable of both the web span lateral governing equation and the boundary conditions on the rollers, and solving the resulting equations. A general web span lateral transfer function, which is an explicit function of the spatial position along the span, is obtained first followed by its application to common guide configurations. The approach also significantly simplifies the consideration of shear (relevant to short spans), in addition to bending, which has been found to be difficult to handle in past studies. We first develop spatially dependent lateral transfer functions by considering only bending which is relevant to most web handling situations, and then add shear to the formulation and develop spatially dependent lateral transfer functions that include both bending and shear. Results from model simulations and pertinent discussions are provided. The spatially dependent transfer functions derived in this paper are a significant improvement over existing lateral transfer functions and provide mechanisms to analyze web lateral behavior within spans, study propagation of lateral disturbances, and aid in the development of closed-loop lateral control systems in emerging applications that require precise lateral positioning of the web.