25,171 research outputs found
State estimation: direct state measurement vs. tomography
We compare direct state measurement (DST or weak state tomography) to
conventional state reconstruction (tomography) through accurate Monte-Carlo
simulations. We show that DST is surprisingly robust to its inherent bias. We
propose a method to estimate such bias (which introduces an unavoidable error
in the reconstruction) from the experimental data. As expected we find that DST
is much less precise than tomography. We consider both finite and
infinite-dimensional states of the DST pointer, showing that they provide
comparable reconstructions.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
Robust Model Predictive Control via Scenario Optimization
This paper discusses a novel probabilistic approach for the design of robust
model predictive control (MPC) laws for discrete-time linear systems affected
by parametric uncertainty and additive disturbances. The proposed technique is
based on the iterated solution, at each step, of a finite-horizon optimal
control problem (FHOCP) that takes into account a suitable number of randomly
extracted scenarios of uncertainty and disturbances, followed by a specific
command selection rule implemented in a receding horizon fashion. The scenario
FHOCP is always convex, also when the uncertain parameters and disturbance
belong to non-convex sets, and irrespective of how the model uncertainty
influences the system's matrices. Moreover, the computational complexity of the
proposed approach does not depend on the uncertainty/disturbance dimensions,
and scales quadratically with the control horizon. The main result in this
paper is related to the analysis of the closed loop system under
receding-horizon implementation of the scenario FHOCP, and essentially states
that the devised control law guarantees constraint satisfaction at each step
with some a-priori assigned probability p, while the system's state reaches the
target set either asymptotically, or in finite time with probability at least
p. The proposed method may be a valid alternative when other existing
techniques, either deterministic or stochastic, are not directly usable due to
excessive conservatism or to numerical intractability caused by lack of
convexity of the robust or chance-constrained optimization problem.Comment: This manuscript is a preprint of a paper accepted for publication in
the IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, with DOI:
10.1109/TAC.2012.2203054, and is subject to IEEE copyright. The copy of
record will be available at http://ieeexplore.ieee.or
An Algebraic Approach to Hough Transforms
The main purpose of this paper is to lay the foundations of a general theory
which encompasses the features of the classical Hough transform and extend them
to general algebraic objects such as affine schemes. The main motivation comes
from problems of detection of special shapes in medical and astronomical
images. The classical Hough transform has been used mainly to detect simple
curves such as lines and circles. We generalize this notion using reduced
Groebner bases of flat families of affine schemes. To this end we introduce and
develop the theory of Hough regularity. The theory is highly effective and we
give some examples computed with CoCoA
Symbolic reduction of block diagrams using FORMAC
Two computer programs - one written in FORMAC to generate the desired symbolic expressions, the other in FORTRAN 4 to numerically evaluate the expressions are announced. The FORTRAN program accepts the symbolic punched output from the FORMAC program in either unexpanded or expanded form. It numerically evaluates the expressions
Energy-state formulation of lumped volume dynamic equations with application to a simplified free piston Stirling engine
Lumped volume dynamic equations are derived using an energy state formulation. This technique requires that kinetic and potential energy state functions be written for the physical system being investigated. To account for losses in the system, a Rayleigh dissipation function is formed. Using these functions, a Lagrangian is formed and using Lagrange's equation, the equations of motion for the system are derived. The results of the application of this technique to a lumped volume are used to derive a model for the free piston Stirling engine. The model was simplified and programmed on an analog computer. Results are given comparing the model response with experimental data
Computer program for a four-cylinder-Stirling-engine controls simulation
A four cylinder Stirling engine, transient engine simulation computer program is presented. The program is intended for controls analysis. The associated engine model was simplified to shorten computer calculation time. The model includes engine mechanical drive dynamics and vehicle load effects. The computer program also includes subroutines that allow: (1) acceleration of the engine by addition of hydrogen to the system, and (2) braking of the engine by short circuiting of the working spaces. Subroutines to calculate degraded engine performance (e.g., due to piston ring and piston rod leakage) are provided. Input data required to run the program are described and flow charts are provided. The program is modular to allow easy modification of individual routines. Examples of steady state and transient results are presented
A 4-cylinder Stirling engine computer program with dynamic energy equations
A computer program for simulating the steady state and transient performance of a four cylinder Stirling engine is presented. The thermodynamic model includes both continuity and energy equations and linear momentum terms (flow resistance). Each working space between the pistons is broken into seven control volumes. Drive dynamics and vehicle load effects are included. The model contains 70 state variables. Also included in the model are piston rod seal leakage effects. The computer program includes a model of a hydrogen supply system, from which hydrogen may be added to the system to accelerate the engine. Flow charts are provided
Preliminary results from a four-working space, double-acting piston, Stirling engine controls model
A four working space, double acting piston, Stirling engine simulation is being developed for controls studies. The development method is to construct two simulations, one for detailed fluid behavior, and a second model with simple fluid behaviour but containing the four working space aspects and engine inertias, validate these models separately, then upgrade the four working space model by incorporating the detailed fluid behaviour model for all four working spaces. The single working space (SWS) model contains the detailed fluid dynamics. It has seven control volumes in which continuity, energy, and pressure loss effects are simulated. Comparison of the SWS model with experimental data shows reasonable agreement in net power versus speed characteristics for various mean pressure levels in the working space. The four working space (FWS) model was built to observe the behaviour of the whole engine. The drive dynamics and vehicle inertia effects are simulated. To reduce calculation time, only three volumes are used in each working space and the gas temperature are fixed (no energy equation). Comparison of the FWS model predicted power with experimental data shows reasonable agreement. Since all four working spaces are simulated, the unique capabilities of the model are exercised to look at working fluid supply transients, short circuit transients, and piston ring leakage effects
A four-cylinder Stirling engine controls model
A four working space, double acting piston, Stirling engine simulation was developed for controls studies. Two simulations, one for detailed fluid behavior, and a second model with simple fluid behavior but containing the four working space aspects and engine inertias, validate these models separately, then upgrade the four working space model by incorporating the detailed fluid behavior model for all four working spaces. The single working space model contains the detailed fluid dynamics. The four working space (FWS) model was built to observe the behavior of the whole engine. The drive dynamics and vehicle inertia effects are simulated. The capabilities of the model are exercised to look at working fluid supply transients, short circuit transients, and piston ring leakage effects
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