Using Laguerre functions to improve the tuning and performance of predictive functional control

This paper proposes a novel modification to the predictive functional control (PFC) algorithm to facilitate significant improvements in the tuning efficacy. The core concept is the use of an alternative parameterisation of the degrees of freedom in the PFC law. Building on recent insights into the potential of Laguerre functions in traditional MPC (Rossiter et al., 2010; Wang, 2009), the paper develops an appropriate framework for PFC and then demonstrates that these functions can be exploited to allow easier and more effective tuning in PFC as well as facilitating strong constraint handling properties. The proposed design approach and the associated tuning methodology are developed and their efficacy is demonstrated with a number of numerical examples

Input shaping for PFC: how and why?

Predictive functional control (PFC) is a highly successful strategy within industry, but for cases with challenging dynamics the most effective tuning approaches are still an active research area. This paper shows how one can deploy some insights from the more traditional model predictive control literature in order to enable systematic tuning and in particular, to ensure that the key PFC tuning parameter, that is the desired closed-loop time constant, is effective. In addition to enabling easier and more effective tuning, the proposed approach has the advantage of being simple to code and thus retaining the simplicity of implementation and tuning that is a key selling point of PFC. This paper focuses on design for open-loop unstable and also processes with significant under-damping in their open-loop behaviour

Computing the autopilot control algorithm using predictive functional control for unstable model

This paper discusses the computing development of a control algorithm using Predictive Functional Control (PFC) for model-based that having one or more unstable poles. One basic Ballistic Missile model (10) is used as an unstable model to formulate the control law algorithm using PFC. PFC algorithm development is computationally simple as a controller and it is not very complicated as the function of a missile will explode as it reaches the target. Furthermore, the analysis and issues of the implementation relating linear discrete-time unstable process are also being discussed. Hence, designed PFC algorithm need to find the suitable tuning parameters as its play an important part of the designing the autopilot controller. Thus, the tuning of the desired time constant, 'I' and small coincidence horizon n1 in a single coincidence point shows that the PFC control law is built better in the dynamic pole of the unstable missile mode. As a result, by using a trajectory set-point, some positive results is presented and discussed as the missile follow its reference trajectory via some simulation using MATLAB 7.0

Surface electrical properties experiment, part 1

The work is reported which was performed on the Surface Electrical Properties Experiment Data Acquisition System. Areas discussed include: data handling and processing, installation and external signal application, operation of the equipment, and digital output. Detailed circuit descriptions are included

Students using digital audio interventions to enhance their learning experience

Previous studies of the impact of audio on student learning have focused on academic generated and centred resources. This approach can significantly impact on academic workloads in both the generation and the distribution of the media, but can also result in narrowly focused learning resources for the students. Students are exposed to many learning opportunities in and outside of the classroom; in order to promote and support learner autonomy, students need to be encouraged to intervene in their own learning experience. Creating audio interventions is an effective way of achieving this. This learner-centred approach enables the students to record, reflect and develop their learning as and when the learning opportunities arise. Student volunteers at both the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University were invited to record their experiences for themselves and were supplied with digital audio recording devices. The University of Sheffield project focus was on supporting HE transition for a cohort of first year engineering students. The Sheffield Hallam University project focus was on supporting learner autonomy amongst groups of disabled and non-disabled students. Volunteers were sought from all levels of study and from across the University. In examining the evidence from both universities the majority of students initially believed the main learning opportunity was in employing the audio devices to record lectures. As the project progressed students did record lectures and this allowed them listen to the lectures again and reflect upon them at their leisure. However, the audio devices have been deployed in a wide variety of ways including the recording of personal notes and group-work discussions with their peers. In this project students typically re-listened to their recordings every few days, when reflecting on their studies or when preparing for or completing an assessment or homework. Students typically recommend carrying the audio device at all times and using the device to record any learning opportunities as and when they arise in the course of the day

Using audio to support student learning

This paper illustrates student and academic approaches to using audio to support the learning of the learner. It illustrates the evolution of the student learner autonomy from the students recording and attending lectures to engaging and recording a wide variety of ephemeral experiences from self-feedback to lab’ sessions. The paper in particular considers and demonstrates the practicalities of students and tutors recording lectures, and finally upon reflection questions as to whether either is a practical solution to capturing learning opportunities in a lecture

A first course in feedback, dynamics and control: findings from an online pilot survey for the IFAC community

Undergraduate students in many engineering programs around the world take only one control course. The IFAC Educational Committee has developed and piloted to a limited audience a comprehensive survey for the topics to be included in such course. This issue is relevant to both academia and industry. The paper discusses the initial findings related to the design of the survey as well as the responses of the participants. The findings will be used to refine the survey and distribute it in the near future to the global control community

Reproducibility of NIRS Assessment of Muscle Oxidative Capacity in Smokers With and Without COPD

Low muscle oxidative capacity contributes to exercise intolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows non-invasive determination of the muscle oxygen consumption (mV̇O2) recovery rate constant (k), which is proportional to oxidative capacity assuming two conditions are met: 1) exercise intensity is sufficient to fully-activate mitochondrial oxidative enzymes; 2) sufficient O2 availability. We aimed to determine reproducibility (coefficient of variation, CV; intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) of NIRS k assessment in the gastrocnemius of 64 participants with (FEV1 64 ± 23%predicted) or without COPD (FEV1 98 ± 14%predicted). 10–15 s dynamic contractions preceded 6 min of intermittent arterial occlusions (5–10 s each, ∼250 mmHg) for k measurement. k was lower (P < 0.05) in COPD (1.43 ± 0.4 min−1; CV = 9.8 ± 5.9%, ICC = 0.88) than controls (1.74 ± 0.69 min−1; CV = 9.9 ± 8.4%; ICC = 0.93). Poor k reproducibility was more common when post-contraction mV̇O2 and deoxygenation were low, suggesting insufficient exercise intensity for mitochondrial activation and/or the NIRS signal contained little light reflected from active muscle. The NIRS assessment was well tolerated and reproducible for muscle dysfunction evaluation in COPD