Time stepping in discontinuous Galerkin method

The time discretization in the Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) scheme has been traditionally based on the Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) second-order Runge-Kutta (RK2) scheme. Computational efficiency and accuracy with the Euler Forward (EF) and the TVD second-order RK2 time stepping schemes in the DG method are investigated in this work. Numerical tests are conducted with the scalar Burgers equation, 1-D and 2-D shallow water flow equations. The maximum Courant number or time step size required for stability for the EF scheme and RK2 scheme with different slope limiters are compared. Numerical results show that the slope limiters affect the stability requirement in the DG method. The RK2 scheme is generally more diffusive than the EF scheme, and the RK2 scheme allows larger time step sizes. The EF scheme is found to be more efficient and accurate than the RK2 scheme in the DG method in computation.     

声音与震动阵列的分析、实现与应用

In this paper, we consider the analysis, implementation, and application of wideband sources using both seismic and acoustic sensors. We use the approximate maximum likelihood (AML) algorithm to perform acoustic direction of arrival (DOA). For non-uniform noise spectra, whitening filtering was applied to the received acoustic signals before the AML operation. For short-range seismic DOA applications, one method was based on eigen-decomposition of the covariance matrix and a second method was based on surface wave analysis. Two well-known optimization schemes were used to estimate the source locations from the estimated DOAs at sensors of known locations. Experimental estimation of the DOAs and resulting localizations using the acoustic and seismic signals generated by striking a heavy metal plate by a hammer were reported.     

Recent Advances in Disordered and Nanostructured Carbon Coatings for Superl Ubricity and Wearless Sliding

Increasingly more demanding and very stringent operating conditions envisioned for future mechanical and tribological systems will certainly require new materials and coatings that are superhard and at the same time self-lubricating.For example, dry machining is a much desired practice in manufacturing sector, but it is currently very difficult to realize mainly because of high friction and severe wear losses. However, recent advances in surface engineering and coating technologies may enable design and production of novel coatings architectures that can combine superhardness with self-lubricating properties in both the disordered or nanostructured forms. Recently developed nearly frictionless carbon films, ultrananocrystalline diamond and carbide derived carbon films can dramatically lower friction and at the same time reduce wear under very harsh sliding conditions. These coatings can be formulated in such a way that they can substantially increase the load-bearing capacity of sliding surfaces and hence improve their resistance to scuffing. It is also possible to design nano-composite coatings that can form self-replenishing and-lubricating tribofilms on their sliding surfaces and thus help increase the overall lubricity of these surfaces. In this paper, an overview of recent advances in disordered and nanostructured carbon films will be presented. Specific examples will be given to demonstrate the superior performance and durability of such novel coatings under a very wide range of tribological conditions. The major emphasis is placed on super low friction carbon films. The fundamental tribological mechanisms that control their exceptional friction and wear behaviors are also discussed.     

Decentralized stabilization of interconnected systems

An algorithm for the evaluation of the fixed modes of interconnected large-scale systems with respect to decentralized feedback gains is presented, as well as a procedure for the determination of decentralized stabilization and/or pole-placement feedback gains. The approach is based on eigenvalue dynamics, and closed-form expressions for eigenvalue sensitivities with respect to the decentralized feedback gains are obtained.     

An efficiency measurement model for a computerized warehousing system

This paper introduces a model for efficient utilization of warehouse personnel in an inventory selection process. A simple mathematical model, based on a time study that can be applied to establishing standards for efficiency measurement of labour in a warehouse setting is presented. The problem of determining a standard to compute performance in an environment with variable workload is solved by using an adjustable standard for each particular assignment. Specifically the proposed model is designed to estimate the time required to complete a picking cycle. Three time components are considered; the lead time, travel time, and non-efficient time. The results of an empirical study are used to set the values of system parameters.

The use of a computer system that can generate order lists is essential for an effective application of this methodology. Useful information can be obtained that can aid managers in formulating and implementing incentive plans and for controlling the labour cost which represents a major proportion of the total cost in warehouse operation.     

Linear feedback control with prespecified performance measure

A novel procedure is presented to design a linear constant state feedback controller with a prespecified performance measure. The method is an iterative technique based on the sensitivity of a quadratic cost functional with respect to the feedback gains. At each iteration, a Riccati-type algebraic matrix equation is solved to compute the sensitivity expressions needed to update the feedback gains.     

Digital design of variable structure control systems

Reachability conditions are developed for discrete single-input-single-output variable structure control systems described by linear mathematical models in general state-space form to reach a switching function from anywhere in state space. Stability conditions of a sliding mode are investigated. A modified algorithm is proposed to simplify the design procedure. Practical application to a thermal process has been achieved by using the modified algorithm to show the potential for development and practical results are compared with those using the classical PID controller design.