This invention pertains to
processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous
processing operations. More particularly, it relates to controlling tension in such continuous webs during the
processing operation. Tension is controlled in a dancer
control system by connecting a corresponding dancer roll to an
actuator apparatus or the like, sensing variables such as position, tension, velocity, and acceleration parameters related to the web and the dancer roll, and providing
active force commands, in response to the sensed variables, to cause translational movement, generally including a target acceleration, in the dancer roll to control tension disturbances in the web. In some applications of the invention, the dancer
control system is used to attenuate tension disturbances. In other applications of the invention, the dancer
control system is used to create tension disturbances.