Adaptive actuator failure compensation design for unknown chaotic multi‐input systems

In this paper, an adaptive control approach is designed for compensating the faults in the actuators of chaotic systems and maintaining the acceptable system stability. We propose a state‐feedback model reference adaptive control scheme for unknown chaotic multi‐input systems. Only the dimensions of the chaotic systems are required to be known. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, new adaptive control laws are synthesized to accommodate actuator failures and system nonlinearities. An illustrative example is studied. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the design method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrophoretic deposition of graphene oxide on carbon brush as bioanode for microbial fuel cell operated with real wastewater

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising technology for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy harvesting. The properties of the anode material play a critical role in the performance of the MFC. In this study, graphene oxide was prepared by a modified hummer's method. A thin layer of graphene oxide was incorporated on the carbon brush using an electrophoretic technique. The deoxygenated graphene oxide formed on the surface of the carbon brush (RGO-CB) was investigated as a bio-anode in MFC operated with real wastewater. The performance of the MFC using the RGO-CB was compared with that using plain carbon brush anode (PCB). Results showed that electrophoretic deposition of graphene oxide on the surface of carbon brush significantly enhanced the performance of the MFC, where the power density increased more than 10 times (from 33 mWm^?2 to 381 mWm^?2). Although the COD removal was nearly similar for the two MFCs, i.e., with PCB and RGO-CB; the columbic efficiency significantly increased in the case of RGO-CB anode. The improved performance in the case of the modified electrode was related to the role of the graphene in improving the electron transfer from the microorganism to the anode surface, as confirmed from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements.     

Influence of ZrB2 hard ceramic reinforcement on mechanical and wear properties of aluminum

In this work, the effect of ZrB₂ (0, 5, 10 and 20?vol%) ceramic reinforcement on densification, structure, and properties of mechanically alloyed Al was investigated. The milling of Al-ZrB₂ powder compositions resulted in formation of agglomerates with varied size. In particular, the size of agglomerates was reduced considerably with increased addition of ZrB₂ to Al. Interestingly, the densification of hot pressed Al increased from 96.06% to 99.22% with ZrB₂ addition. The reduction of agglomerates size was attributed to the enhanced densification of Al-ZrB₂ composites. Pure Al showed relatively low hardness (0.94?GPa) and it was improved to 1.78?GPa with the addition of 20?vol% ZrB₂. The mechanical properties have significantly been improved for Al-ZrB₂ composites. Especially Al - 20?vol% ZrB₂ possessed a very high yield strength (529?MPa), compressive strength (630?MPa) and compressive strain of 19.25%. Realization of such a good combination of mechanical properties is the highest ever reported for Al composites so far in the literature. The coefficient of friction (COF) of Al-ZrB₂ varied narrowly between 0.33 and 0.40 after dry sliding wear against steel disc. The wear rate of Al-ZrB₂ composites was within mild wear regime and varied between 98.88?×?10^?6 and 34.66?×?10^?6 mm³/Nm. Among all the compositions, Al - 20?vol% ZrB₂ composite exhibited the lowest wear rate and high wear rate was noted for pure Al. Mild abrasion, tribo-oxidation, third body wear (wear debris) and delamination were the major material removal mechanisms for Al-ZrB₂ composites. Overall the hardness, strength and wear resistance of Al - 20?vol% ZrB₂ composite was improved by 84.3%, 84.3% and 64.2%, respectively when compared to pure Al.