Learning and tuning fuzzy logic controllers through reinforcements

A new method for learning and tuning a fuzzy logic controller based on reinforcements from a dynamic system is presented. In particular, our Generalized Approximate Reasoning-based Intelligent Control (GARIC) architecture: (1) learns and tunes a fuzzy logic controller even when only weak reinforcements, such as a binary failure signal, is available; (2) introduces a new conjunction operator in computing the rule strengths of fuzzy control rules; (3) introduces a new localized mean of maximum (LMOM) method in combining the conclusions of several firing control rules; and (4) learns to produce real-valued control actions. Learning is achieved by integrating fuzzy inference into a feedforward network, which can then adaptively improve performance by using gradient descent methods. We extend the AHC algorithm of Barto, Sutton, and Anderson to include the prior control knowledge of human operators. The GARIC architecture is applied to a cart-pole balancing system and has demonstrated significant improvements in terms of the speed of learning and robustness to changes in the dynamic system's parameters over previous schemes for cart-pole balancing

Superconducting Bearing Design for Outer Rotor Flywheel Using Lumped Parameter Techniques

This paper describes the application of lumped parameter modeling techniques to designing high temperature superconducting bearings for outer-rotor flywheel energy storage systems. The lumped parameter models decrease computational time by 99% compared to Finite Element Analysis (FEM) without compromising fidelity needed to capture the non-linear and hysteretic force-displacement behavior between a levitated permanent magnet and bulk superconductor. The techniques formulated can be used to quickly evaluate lifting capacity and translational stiffness for a superconducting bearing design. The validity of the modeling approach has been verified by comparing results from FEM studies and experimental tests.Center for Electromechanic

Issues before the thirteenth finance commission.

The Thirteenth Finance Commission faces challenging times. Despite improvement, the fiscal situation continues to be a matter of concern when off budget liabilities and other fiscal risks are considered. In the changing situation of increasing oil prices on the one hand and surge in capital flows on the other, calibrating the transfer system in tune with counter-cyclical fiscal policy stance is a formidable challenge. The paper argues that irrespective of the wording of the Terms of Reference (ToR), the Commission would do well to focus on its primary task of recommending transfers to serve the objective of equity and incentives. While it is required to take into account a number of considerations, the focus should be on the transfer system. As an impartial body, the Commission should make a fair assessment of the union as well as state governments, ignoring the asymmetries in the wording of the ToR. As regards the transfer system itself is concerned, the paper argues that although it may be difficult to make drastic changes in the relative shares of the states, the Commission should give up the gap filling approach. Instead, after recommending the tax devolution, the Commission should recommend grants to fully equalise expenditures on elementary education and basic healthcare. It is also possible to incentivise the transfer system for even those states that have a better record of providing education and healthcare to improve quality of these services. If necessary, the tax devolution percentage can be appropriately adjusted to ensure equalisation of social services. The paper is a revised and edited version of one that was presented in the seminar on Issues before the Thirteenth Finance Commission held at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) on May 23-24, 2008.

Design and Analysis of Slit-cut Stacked Equilateral Triangular Microstrip Patch Antenna

In this paper, a novel structure of slit-cut stacked equilateral triangular microstrip antenna (ETMA) has been theoretically studied using cavity model and found in agreement with the stimulated result calculated by high frequency simulator structure (HFSS). The analysis of stacked ETMA and slit-cut ETMA is done. The theoretical and simulated results of stacked ETMA and slit-cut ETMA are presented and compared. The main concentration is to find the different results, i.e. input impedance and return loss of the slit-cut ETMA and slit-cut stacked ETMA.Defence Science Journal, Vol. 65, No. 3, May 2015, pp.240-244, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.65.797