Hand-held percussion machine as discrete non-linear converter

The formulation is presented of a general approach to analysis and synthesis of hand-held percussion machines by using methods of non-linear dynamics and optimal control. A major objective is the analysis of the interaction of the machine with the operator and the load. An attempt is made to optimize this interaction in order to improve machine capacity and to reduce the reaction on the operator. Some general recommendations are presented on the choice of the main characteristics of such machines. (C) 1998 Academic Press Limited.