Computational Methods in Engineering

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Designing a robust tracking control for a non-linear MIMO system with uncertainty is one of the most complicated control problems. In this paper, sliding mode changed to non-linear controllable canonical form by input-output linearization. This, sliding surfaces can be defined in a way that we can de-couple equations and indicate the sliding conditions of multi-variable controller system. The uncertain parameters will be estimated properly and the input equation improved to apply the restricted input condition. The control law will be improved in a way that in addition to increasing the tracking accuracy inside the boundary layer, the speed of convergence will increase outside of the boundary layer. In order to satisfy the balance of the filter, the thickness of the adaptive boundary layer is used. Thus, a robust tracking control is designed which can trace the angle of attitude of satellite for maneuvers with a very large angle (180 deg.) on a piece-wise smooth path. Finally, the simulation results are compared with Elmali & Olgac’s methods and it is shown that despite decreasing control signals, the tracking accuracy increases by several ten times. Keywords: Attitude, Control, Sliding-mode control, Non-linear System, Input-Output Linearzation

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In this paper, based on feedback linearization control method and using a special PI (propotational integrator) regulator (IP) in combination with a feed-forward controller, a three-phase induction servo-drive is speed controlled. First, an observer is employed to estimate the rotor d and q axis flux components. Then, two input-output state variables are introduced to control the dynamics of torque and the magnitude of the rotor flux independently. In addition, based on the model refrence adaptive system (MRAS) and the recursive least square (RLC) error techniques, the rotor time constant and the mechnical parameters (J, R) are simultaneously estimated. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed method is confirmed against results from computer simulation. Keywords: Adaptive speed ontrol, Inducation servo-drive, Feedback linearization, IP controller, Model reference, Adaptive system, Recursive least square.

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The objective of this study is to design a robust direct model reference adaptive controller (DMRAC) for a nonlinear cardiovascular model over a range of plant parameters representing a variety of physical conditions. The direct adaptive controllers used in thisd study require the plant to be almost strictly positive real (ASPR) that is, for a plant to be controlled there must exist a feedback gain such that the resulting closed loop system is strictly positive real. We designed a new compensator so that the system composed of the cardiovascular plant and the compensator satisfy the ASPR condition. Numerous studies in the past have considered a small range of gain variations of the cardiovascular system. In most cases, the controller was designed based on variations in either time delay or plant gains. Many of these workers treated the cardiovascular system as a single-input single output (SISo) plant in which the control output was Mean Arterial Pressure (MAO). We treated the cardiovascular system as a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) plant in which both the MAP and Cardiac Output (CO) are simultaneously controlled. In this study, a new linear model is presented that provides a better approximation thanthe one the original linear model does. By doing so and utilizing the DMRAC algorithm, we could satisfy the stability conditions for the nonlinear model while satisfactory responses obtained under every possible condition for the cardiovascular nonlinear model. Keywords: Adaptive control, Cardiovascular system, Blood pressure, Cardiac output

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This study is an attempt to introduce scientific fundamentals and available methods for wellhead protection area (capture zone) delineation for drinking water wells in cities. The results of this study could obviate some demands of the national water and wastewater company in quality control of the drinking water resources by delineation and application of the wellhead protection areas. For this purpose, the available literaturer reviewed to extract, criteria and methods of wellhead protection delineation, Then, (1) fixed radius method, (2) simplified variable shape methods, and (3) flow-transport analytical methods implemented in the computer code WHPA are introduced. The applicability of these methods is shown by some sample calculations for Urmia drinking water wells. Samples of the calculated wellhead protection areas for 36 wells in Urmia City will be shown using three analytical modules in WHPA. The effects of the hydrogeologic parameters on the wellhead areas will be discussed. When reliable hydrogeologic parameters are available in the region where wells are located, the analytical methods and WHPA code produce accurate results for wellhead protection areas.

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Stator flux oriented vector control of induction motor (IM) drives for speed sensorless control has several advantages. But the application of a pure integrator for the flux estimation is difficult due to the presence of measurement noise and dc offset. To overcome these problems, some have used a programmable cascaded low pass filter (PCLPF). In this paper, it is shown that some problems still exist and some new problems arise from this approach. In order to solve these problems, a novel compensation method is proposed. In this scheme, the dc offset is detected and subtracted from the estimated flux along d and q axes. The simulation results show that it works well in the low speed region as well as in the transient state. The oscillation of the torque and the estimated flux are also reduced notably when the torque reference changes rapidly.

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In the last few years, Run-to-Run (R2R) control techniques have been developed and used to control various processes in industries. These techniques combine response surface, statistical process control, and feedback control techniques. The R2R controller consists of a linear regression model that relates input variables to output variables using Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA). In this paper, we have developed a R2R controller model based on quality costs. The model consists of finding optimum weight of EWMA procedure in R2R controllers with respect to conformities and nonconformities costs. The validity and performance of the developed model were tested using a real case study in an optic industry application.

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The rapid growth of space utilization requires extensive construction, and maintenance of space structures and satellites in orbit. This will, in turn, substantiate application of robotic systems in space. In this paper, a near-minimum-time optimal control law is developed for a rigid space platform with flexible links during an orientating maneuver with large angle of rotation. The time optimal control solution for the rigid-body mode is obtained as a bang-bang function and applied to the flexible system after smoothening the control inputs to avoid stimulation of the flexible modes. This will also reflect practical limitations in exerting bang-bang actuator forces/torques, due to delays and non-zero time constants of existing actuation elements. The smoothness of the input command is obtained by reshaping its profile based on consideration of additional first-order and second-order derivative constraints. The platform is modeled as a linear undamped elastic system that yields an appropriate model for the analysis of planar rotational maneuvers. The developed control law is applied on a given satellite during a slewing maneuver. The simulation results show that the modified realistic optimal input compared to the bang-bang solution agrees well with the practical limitations and also alleviates the vibrating motion of the flexible appendage, which reveals the merits of the new control law developed here.

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Mobile robotic systems, which include a mobile platform with one or more manipulators, mounted at specific locations on the mobile base, are of great interest in a number of applications. In this paper, after thorough kinematic studies on the platform and manipulator motions, a systematic methodology will be presented to obtain the dynamic equations for such systems without violating the base nonholonomic constraints. Combining the kinematic model with the initial dynamic equations and eliminating Lagrange multiplier with natural orthogonal complement technique lead to the comprehensive dynamic model. The variables of this model include the path of a reference point of the base and the position and orientation of the end-effector. The proposed approach will be applied on a car-like platform and a manipulator with 5 degrees-of freedom. The calculations for deriving such a model will be implemented by a program in Maple which can be used for control design and simulation purposes. The validity of the methodology is demonstrated using a second model and comparing the elements of these two models with each other. With trajectory generation for platform and manipulator generalized coordinates separately, set points for control system design will be provided. Motion generation for the platform, which due to the nonholonomic constraint has more sensitivity, will be dealt with by two motion modes. Inverting the model in terms of joint space variables, strict control of the work space variables is accomplished. Introducing state space variables and inverting the system into first order equations, the necessary preliminaries for control system design will be provided. Based on two simulation programs in Matlab, two controllers are designed with model-based algorithm (MBA) and Transposed Jacobian (TJ) control. Simulating different external conditions such as parameter perturbation, disturbances and noise, the robotic system behavior in the vicinity of real conditions will be examined. The results obtained show the merits of the TJ algorithm in controlling highly nonlinear and complex systems with multiple degrees- of freedom (DOF), without requiring a priori knowledge of plant dynamics, and with reduced computational burden which motivates further work on this algorithm

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Control of a class of uncertain nonlinear systems, which estimates unavailable state variables, is considered. A new approach for robust tracking control problem of satellite for large rotational maneuvers is presented in this paper. The features of this approach include a strong algorithm to estimate attitude, based on discrete extended Kalman filter combined with a continuous extended Kalman filter and attitude nonlinear model, and a robust controller based on sliding-mode with perturbation estimation. Estimation accuracy in this method is five times higher than other recent approaches based on Kalman filter. We have used sliding-mode controller in this paper. Not only the controller and the corresponding observer but also their composition must be robust. To make this controller robust against the uncertainty of parameters, the robust Kalman filter is used. Based on interval algebra, an upper bound and a lower bound are estimated for state variables of the system and considering these bounds in indicating the sliding conditions, stability of the controller in combination with the observer will be satisfied simultaneously. The simulation results show the capability of this method in spite of different uncertainty levels (up to %50).

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An important consideration in control issues is control of nonlinear systems. Sliding control is among those nonlinear controllers that can control the system desirably in the presence of unstructured uncertainties of carelessness in specifying parameters of the system. In sliding control, also called Variable Structure Control, the main objectives of the controller are achieved by introducing a sliding surface. One of the fundamental problems which may occur in sliding control is the chattering phenomenon on unwanted oscillation around the sliding surface. Different solutions are introduced to eliminate chattering. One of the commonest solutions is using a constant boundary layer round the sliding surface. In this paper, efforts are made to reduce chattering and to increase stability of the system by varying the sliding controller with a constant boundary layer. Finally, the mathematical model of a pendulum/cart in the presence of uncertainty is developed and the result of the simulation of the introduced controllers are compared.

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A physical model of gabion overflow dams was studied to determine the velocity profile and Reynolds shear stress. Physical tests were done under two different conditions of dam crest, overflow dams with impermeable and with permeable crests. Instantaneous velocity components over dam crest were measured by an ADV (Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter) instrument. This instrument is capable of measuring instantaneous velocity components with frequencies up to 25 Hz. Average velocity components and bed shear stress were extracted from ADV measurements. The results of this research show the effect of crest permeability on velocity and Reynolds shear stress. The magnitude of Reynolds shear stresses, horizontal velocity components, and absolute value of vertical velocity components under the permeable scenario are bigger than those of the impermeable scenario. Velocity distribution over the dam crest is different from the universal logarithmic profile.

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The optimal path planning of cooperative manipulators is studied in the present research. Optimal Control Theory is employed to calculate the optimal path of each joint choosing an appropriate index of the system to be minimized and taking the kinematics equations as the constraints. The formulation has been derived using Pontryagin Minimum Principle and results in a Two Point Boundary Value Problem, (TPBVP). The problem is solved for a cooperative manipulator system consisting of two 3-DOF serial robots.

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The aim of this research is to design a controlling loop that eliminates the irregularities in yarn tension during the winding process. In order to achieve this, we employed a relative feedback industrial control system. The yarn tension sensor measures the tension. Its output is analyzed in the automatic controlling unit. This unit adjusts the tension level according to feedback signals, thus adjusting the yarn tension to the desired value. The yarn package wound using this system will additionally experience the least yarn tension variations.

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Supply chain coordination has become a critical success factor for supply chain management (SCM). In the past few years, the researchers have widely emphasized that cooperation among supply chain (SC) firms is a key source of competitive advantage. This paper is focused on supply chain coordination from the perspective of inventory management. Li and Liu [1] developed a model for illustrating how to use quantity discount policy by price adjustment mechanism to achieve supply chain coordination. We extend this mechanism to three echelon supply chain and consider variable lead time which has more representation of the real world situation. For this purpose, we will develop a model with benefit objective function for the problem. We will then analyze the model with and without coordination. By solving the proposed model, proper order quantities will be obtained. Finally, the advantages of the proposed mechanism will be explored and a surplus benefit dividing method will be designed.

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Having two stable configurations and no need to any permanent energy sources for remaining in each of these stable states, bi-stable composite plates have gained many applications. This paper has concentrated on control and dynamic response of cross ply bi-stable composite plates (0.90). To do this, using Hamilton principle , Rayleigh-Ritz method, and a MATLAB programme specifically designed for this study, have been applied in order to extract  the governing equation of motions in plates. Then, in order to control the large vibration of the cross ply bi-stable plate, a fuzzy controller was proposed using a fuzzy logic and its prformance was simulated by Simulink in Matlab environment. In order to simulate the real conditions on the controller performance, the effect of disturbances and time delay on the responses of controller were also investigated.

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In this paper, a robust control law is proposed, based on Lyapunov’s theory and sliding mode control theory, in
order to track the angle of attack in nonlinear longitudinal dynamics of a missile. It is assumed that there are unmatched
uncertainties in the nonlinear systems. In the proposed algorithm, the controller gains are optimized by Particle Swarm
Optimization (PSO) algorithm. For this purpose, a cost function is extracted from the output tracking error. Simulation results
show that the proposed algorithm has better performance than conventional Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller in
the presence of unmatched uncertainties.

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In present study, dynamic modeling and control of a tethered space robot system in trajectory tracking of its end effector is investigated. Considering variation of the tether length in the model, dynamics of the system is modeled using Lagrange’s method. Librational motion of the tether is controlled by adjusting the tether length similar to conventional manipulators,control of the robot is performed by its motors. It is clear that, in the trajectory tracking of the end effector, the tether length should be kept more or less constant, keeping them in a stable position. Limiting the tether length variation while using it as a tool for controlling the tether librational motion, is the main challenging part of the control system. To deal with this problem, a hybrid control  system is proposed to control the system. A nonlinear model predictive control approach (NMPC) is utilized to control the tether librational motion and a modified computed torque method (CTM) is used to control the manipulator motion. Initially the NMPC controller is developed for a simple tethered satellite system. Then it is combined with the CTM controller. The proposed controller is employed to control motion of a space robot’s end effector on a predefined trajectory. Performance of the controller is then evaluated by numerical simulations.

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Using Vibro-Impact Nonlinear Energy Sinks (VI NESs) is one of the novel strategies to control structural vibrations and mitigate their seismic response. In this system, a mass is tuned on the structure floor, so that it has a specific distance from an inelastic constraint connected to the floor mass. In case of structure stimulation, the displaced VI NES mass collides with the  inelastic constraint and upon impacts, energy is dissipated. In the present work, VI NES is studied when its parameters, including clearance and stiffness ratio, are simultaneously optimized. Harmony search as a recent meta-heuristic algorithm is efficiently specialized and utilized for the aforementioned continuous optimization problem. The optimized attached VI NES is thus shown to be capable of interacting with the primary structure over a wide range of frequencies. The resulting controlled response is then investigated, in a variety of low and medium rise steel moment frames, via nonlinear dynamic time history analyses. Capability of the VI NES to dissipate siesmic input energy of earthquakes and their capabilitiy in reducing response of srtructures effectively, through vibro-impacts between the energy sink’s mass and the floor mass, is discussed by extracting several performance indices and the corresponding Fourier spectra. Results of the numerical simulations done on some structural model examples reveal that the optimized VI NES has caused successive redistribution of energy from low-frequency high-amplitude vibration modes to high-frequency low-amplitude modes, bringing about the desired attenuation of the structural responses.

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Active vehicle suspension system is designed to increase the ride comfort and road holding of vehicles. Due to limitations in the external force produced by actuator, the design problem encounters the constraint on the control input. In this paper, a novel nonlinear controller with the input constraint is designed for the active suspension system. In the proposed method, at first, a constrained multi-objective optimization problem is defined. In this problem, a performance index is defined as a weighted combination of the predicted responses of the nonlinear suspension system and control input. Then, this problem is solved by the modified firefly optimization algorithm to find the constrained optimal control input. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, the results of the unconstrained and constrained controllers are provided and discussed for various road excitations. The results show a remarkable increase in the ride comfort with the limited force, while other suspension outputs including the suspension travel and tire deflection being in the acceptable ranges. In addition, these controllers are compared with Sliding Mode Control (SMC) and Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) in the presence of model uncertainty.