Variable input observer for nonstationary high-rate dynamic systems

Engineering systems experiencing events of amplitudes higher than 100 gn for a duration under 100 ms, here termed high-rate dynamics, can undergo rapid damaging effects. If the structural health of such systems could be accurately estimated in a timely manner, preventative measures could be employed to minimize adverse effects. For complex high-rate problems, adaptive observers have shown promise due to their capability to deal with nonstationary, noisy, and uncertain systems. However, adaptive observers have slow convergence rates, which impede their applicability to the high-rate problems. To improve on the convergence rate, we propose a variable input space concept for optimizing the use of data history of high-rate dynamics, with the objective to produce an optimal representation of the system of interest. Using the embedding theory, the algorithm sequentially selects and adapts a vector of inputs that preserves the essential dynamics of the high-rate system. In this paper, the variable input space is integrated in a wavelet neural network, which constitutes a variable input observer. The observer is simulated using experimental data from a high-rate system. Different input space adaptation methods are studied, and the performance is also compared against an optimized fixed input strategy. It is found that a smooth transition of the input space eliminates error spikes and yields faster convergence. The variable input observer is further studied in a hybrid model-/data-driven formulation, and results demonstrate significant improvement in performance gained from the added physical knowledge

Theoretical Study of Fano Resonance in a Mechanical System

Resonance conditions are a major area of study in theoretical and experimental investigation. Normally, a resonance condition is characterized by a symmetric shape on either side of the resonance. In some cases, we can observe an asymmetric resonance shape, which is called a Fano resonance. We will study the appearance of Fano resonance in a purely mechanical system. The frequency response of the primary system is approximated using the method of multiple scales focusing on the location of the resonance condition. Then, curve fitting is used to approximate the Fano parameter associated with the system, which provides a measurement of the asymmetry in the resonance line-shape. Using this, we investigate how the various parameters associated with the system influence the strength of the Fano resonance

Audio Time-Scale Modification

Audio time-scale modification is an audio effect that alters the duration of an audio signal without affecting its perceived local pitch and timbral characteristics. There are two broad categories of time-scale modifications algorithms, time-domain and frequency-domain. The computationally efficient time-domain techniques produce high quality results for single pitched signals such as speech, but do not cope well with more complex signals such as polyphonic music. The less efficient frequency-domain techniques have proven to be more robust and produce high quality results for a variety of signals; however they introduce a reverberant artefact into the output. This dissertation focuses on incorporating aspects of time-domain techniques into frequency-domain techniques in an attempt to reduce the presence of the reverberant artefact and improve upon computational demands. From a review of prior work it was found that there are a number of time-domain algorithms available and that the choice of algorithm parameters varies considerably in the literature. This finding prompted an investigation into the effects of the choice of parameters and a comparison of the various techniques employed in terms of computational requirements and output quality. The investigation resulted in the derivation of an efficient and flexible parameter set for use within time-domain implementations. Of the available frequency-domain approaches the phase vocoder and time-domain/subband techniques offer an efficiency and robustness advantage over sinusoidal modelling and iterative phase update techniques, and as such were identified as suitable candidates for the provision of a framework for further investigations. Following from this observation, improvements in the quality produced by time-domain/subband techniques are realised through the use of a bark based subband partitioning approach and effective subband synchronisation techniques. In addition, computational and output quality improvements with a phase vocoder implementation are achieved by taking advantage of a certain level of flexibility in the choice of phase within such an implementation. The phase flexibility established is used to push or pull phase values into a phase coherent stage. Further improvements are realised by incorporating features of time-domain algorithms into the system in order to provide a ‘good’ initial set of phase estimates; the transition to ‘perfect’ phase coherence is significantly reduced through this scheme, thereby improving the overall output quality produced. The result is a robust and efficient time-scale modification algorithm which draws upon various aspects of a number of general approaches to time-scale modification

Experimental investigation of cavitation signatures in an automotive torque converter using a microwave telemetry technique

A unique experimental investigation of cavitation signatures in an automotive torque converter under stall conditions is reported. A quantitative criterion is proposed for predicting early and advanced cavitation in terms of suitable nondimensional pump speeds. The dimensionless pump speed that marks early cavitation is obtained by relating this parameter to the appearance of charge-pressure–dependent pressure fluctuations in the differential pressure transducer readings. The differential pressure transducers were mounted at well-defined locations in the pump passage of a torque converter. The data were transmitted by a wireless telemetry system mounted on the pump housing. Data were received and processed by a ground-based data acquisition system. Automatic transmission fluid exhibited cavitation for charge pressures of 70–130 psi and pump speeds of 1000– 2250 rpm. Advanced cavitation was marked by operating conditions that exhibited a 2% or more torque degradation from the converter\u27s noncavitating performance. For a given family of torque-converter designs and a given transmission fluid, the proposed nondimensional pumpspeed criteria are capable of marking early and advanced stages of cavitation for a range of torque-converter sizes and a range of charge pressures in the torque converter