A robust deconvolution scheme for fault detection and isolation of uncertain linear systems: an LMI approach

Optimal H_∞ deconvolution filter theory is exploited for the design of robust fault detection and isolation (FDI) units for uncertain polytopic linear systems. Such a filter is synthesized under frequency domain conditions which ensure guaranteed levels of disturbance attenuation, residual decoupling and deconvolution performance in prescribed frequency ranges. By means of the Projection Lemma, a quasi-convex formulation of the problem is obtained via LMIs. A FDI logic based on adaptive thresholds is also proposed for reducing the generation of false alarms. The effectiveness of the design technique is illustrated via a numerical example.     

Selective Complexation and Membrane Transport of Guanidinium Salts by Calix[6]arene Amides

The p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene hexamide 2 and syn-1,3,5–trimethoxy-2,4,6-triamide 4 were synthesized by reaction of α-chloro-N,N-diethylacetamide and the corresponding calix[6]arenes 1 and 3 , respectively. ¹H NMR spectroscopy shows that 2 is a mixture of different conformations whereas 4 is fixed in a cone conformation. Extraction experiments, (S-L) and (H₂O–CDCl₃) with picrate salts, indicate that 2 complexes both alkali metal (1:2 complex) and guanidinium salts (1:1 complex) but 4 complexes only guanidinium (1:1 complex). Incorporated in supported liquid membranes (Accurel^® / o-nitrophenyl n-octyl ether) the calixarenes 2 and 4 transport guanidinium salts. The hexamide 2 is a more efficient carrier of guanidinium but the syn-1,3,5-trimethoxy-2,4,6-triamide 4 is much more selective. Both 2 and 4 are sufficiently lipophilic to give membranes that are stable over longer periods (weeks).     

Process and terminations variations aware stability criteria for microwave amplifiers

Two novel process variations aware, necessary and sufficient conditions suitable for implementation in CAD optimizers are proposed to check amplifiers stability. Case studies are presented, showing that the new criteria allow robust amplifier design, under variation of active device immittance parameters in pre‐specified rectangular regions, due to manufacturing tolerances. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 23: 619–626, 2013.     

Large yacht hull measurement by integrating optical scanning with mechanical tracking-based methodologies

In the shipbuilding industry, the manufacturing of large yacht hulls is a complex process. Metal hulls are traditionally manufactured by welding pre fabricated large steel panels to form the external superstructure. A surface finishing process is then carried out in order to obtain a final target surface having a smooth curvature. The methodologies manly rely on manual processes based on the measurement of the as built hull shape through simple testing instrumentation. Well-experienced workers are required, and a great amount of time is usually wasted, thus affecting the overall shipyard competitiveness.     

Beam tests of composite steel-concrete members: A three-dimensional finite element model

Modern construction makes frequent use of composite steel-concrete beams for bridge and building applications. This paper describes a three-dimensional finite element model in which all components forming the composite member are modelled by means of solid elements. The proposed approach is developed using the commercial software Abaqus and is able to model the composite response without requiring information from push-out tests commonly performed to define the constitutive relationship for the shear connectors. All materials are assumed to behave in a nonlinear fashion. Contact between the elements is simulated using surface-to-surface and embedment techniques. The adequacy and accuracy of the proposed modelling approach are validated against experimental results available in the literature on simply-supported and continuous beam tests with both solid and composite slabs.     

Kinetics of 4-nitrophenol biodegradation in a sequencing batch reactor

In this paper, the biodegradation process of 4-nitrophenol (4NP) in a sequencing batch reactor has been investigated. Kinetic tests have been carried out on biomass grown on mixed substrate (4NP plus biogenic substrate) both in the presence of a biogenic substrate fraction in the feed and with 4NP as the sole carbon source. Removal kinetics for all tests is well described by the typical substrate inhibition pattern as predicted by the Haldane equation. In both sets, estimated kinetic parameters are very similar: no beneficial effect of the biogenic fraction is observed on the 4NP removal while increasing trend of 4NP maximum removal rate with the 4NP/COD(TOT) ratio in the feed has been observed. This finding has been modelled by estimating the fraction of the total biomass involved in 4NP biodegradation as a function of 4NP concentration in the feed. High removal rates, short acclimation times and good settling characteristics of produced sludge (observed during the whole working period) confirm the suitability of periodic systems in enhancing the bacterial potentialities for biodegradation of xenobiotic compounds.     

Post-yield compressed semicrystalline poly(butylene terephthalate): energy storage and release

Post yield deformation of semicrystalline poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) is studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements on compressed specimens after unloading. In particular, the effects of strain level, loading-unloading rate, and deformation temperature are analyzed. DSC traces indicate that a remarkable fraction of the mechanical work of deformation (in the range from 25 up to 62%) is stored in the material after unloading. Final strain dependence of stored energy values for specimens deformed up to 40% follows the general S-shaped trend observed for many amorphous and semicrystalline polymers. The ratio of the stored energy to the mechanical work of deformation (ΔU_ST/W) is decreasing as the final deformation level increases. For a given final strain level, the amount of energy stored in specimens deformed under T_g increases as either loading or unloading rates increase: in particular, both ΔU_ST and ΔU_ST/W values are linearly increasing with the logarithm of loading rate. On the other hand, energy storage for specimens deformed at T_g results to be practically independent from the loading rate. Moreover, as the deformation temperature increases from 25 to 100 °C, ΔU_ST values markedly decrease, while the ratio ΔU_ST/W is almost constant around an average value of about 51%.     

Reactions of cellulose and wood superficial hydroxy groups with organometallic compounds

Various lignocellulosic substrates, including microcrystalline cellulose, pinewood and hemp fibres, were treated with triethylaluminium and triethylboron in suspensions, in non‐swelling media. Chemical and spectroscopic analyses show that coupling surface reactions took place between one or two metal‐to‐carbon (Mt–C) bonds and the OH groups of the natural polymers. The remaining unreacted Mt–C bonds were exploited to graft numerous molecular structures derived from alcohols and amines. The occurrence of the second reaction was proved by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analyses, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry