Dynamic testing system hydraulic actuator speed control

A method of controlling a hydraulic actuator of a test station of a dynamic testing system, the test station comprising:

• a hydraulic actuator configured to drive an actuation of a test subject using a hydraulic fluid flow;
• a control valve;
• an actuation sensor;
• a test controller;
• an actuator controller;
• and
• a flow rate control circuit,
• the method comprising:
• generating a feedback signal indicative of a parameter of the actuation using the actuation sensor;
• generating a reference signal indicative of a desired actuation based on a test program using the test controller;
• generating a differential signal based on a difference between the reference signal and the feedback signal using the actuator controller;
• setting the flow rate control circuit in one of a first state and a second state based on a flow rate attenuation signal;
• delivering an actuator command signal to the control valve using the flow rate control circuit including:
• delivering the differential signal to the control valve as the actuator command signal when the flow rate control circuit is in the first state;
• and
• delivering an attenuated differential signal to the control valve as the actuator command signal when the flow rate control circuit is in the second state;
• and
• controlling a flow rate and a direction of the hydraulic fluid flow based on the actuator command signal,
• wherein the flow rate corresponding to the attenuated differential signal is less than the flow rate corresponding to the differential signal.