On the forced response of waveguides using the wave and finite element method

The forced response of waveguides subjected to time harmonic loading is treated. The approach starts with the wave and finite element (WFE) method where a segment of the waveguide is modelled using traditional finite element methods. The mass and stiffness matrices of the segment are used to formulate an eigenvalue problem whose solution yields the wave properties of the waveguide. The WFE formulation is used to obtain the response of the waveguide to a convected harmonic pressure (CHP). Since the Fourier transform of the response to a general excitation is a linear combination of the responses to CHPs, the response to a general excitation can be obtained via an inverse Fourier transform process. This is evaluated analytically using contour integration and the residue theorem. Hence, the approach presented herein enables the response of a waveguide to general loading to be found by: a) modelling a segment of the waveguide using finite element methods and post-processing it to obtain the wave characteristics, b) using a Fourier transform and contour integration to obtain the wave amplitudes and c) using the wave amplitudes to find the response at any point in the waveguide. Numerical examples are presented

Generalized design of an anti-swing fuzzy logic controller for an overhead crane with hoist

The behavior of many mechanical systems, such as overhead cranes, can be predicted through intuitive observation of their motion under various forces. Mathematical modeling of an overhead crane shows that it is highly coupled. Nonetheless, it is surprisingly easy for an experienced crane operator to drive payloads to target positions with minimal cable swing. This observation naturally promotes the use of fuzzy logic to control overhead cranes. Traditionally, fuzzy logic controllers of overhead cranes were presented for specific crane system/motion parameters. This work presents a novel approach for automatically creating anti-swing fuzzy logic controllers for overhead cranes with hoisting. The model of the crane includes the distributed mass of the cable. The presented approach uses the inverse dynamics of the overhead crane and the desired motion parameters to determine the ranges of the variables of the controllers. The control action is distributed among three fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs): The travel controller, hoist controller, and anti-swing controller. Simulation examples show that the proposed controller can successfully drive overhead cranes under various operating conditions