23 research outputs found
A comparative evaluation of books on mathematical modelling
AbstractIn this paper we present a comparative evaluation of books on mathematical modelling that have appeared in the last 15 years
Application of semantic control to a class of pursuer-evader problems
AbstractIn this article, we describe our work in developing a comprehensive software system for tactical decision aiding for an evader faced with multiple pursuers. The objective is to provide the evader with defensive maneuver decisions that maximize its chances of survival.We have developed a hierarchical semantic controller consisting of a System Identifier, a Goal Selector and an Adapter. This system is implemented on a 386DX personal computer via object-oriented programming, knowledge-based systems, Analytical Hierarchy Process, optimal control, and differential game methodologies.The viability of our Semantic Control approach to the evasive action selection problem has been shown and its operation has been tested against pursuers which follow either pure pursuit or proportional guidance strategies. The user is included in the decision process via approval of setpoints. Displays of the engagement and effect of coverage by countermeasures provide a visual reinforcement of the recommendation made. Use of semantic controllers as TDA support systems for man-in-the-loop, pursuer-evader problems on a PC with current software and hardware technology is feasible. The ability to deploy the system on a portable PC permits the use of the technology in a wide variety of applications
A new warranty costing model
Most consumer durable products are used intermittently and the usage is best modelled as a point process in time. Also, the failure of an item is a function of the number of times the item has been used rather than its age. As a result, the item failure is better characterized through a discrete distribution. In this paper we develop a new model for item usage and item failure based on the above characterization and obtain the expected cost of servicing warranty per unit when the product is sold with warranty