Dynamic output feedback control of a flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicle via T–S fuzzy approach

By utilising Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy set approach, this paper addresses the robust H_∞ dynamic output feedback control for the non-linear longitudinal model of flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicles (FAHVs). The flight control of FAHVs is highly challenging due to the unique dynamic characteristics, and the intricate couplings between the engine and fight dynamics and external disturbance. Because of the dynamics’ enormous complexity, currently, only the longitudinal dynamics models of FAHVs have been used for controller design. In this work, T–S fuzzy modelling technique is utilised to approach the non-linear dynamics of FAHVs, then a fuzzy model is developed for the output tracking problem of FAHVs. The fuzzy model contains parameter uncertainties and disturbance, which can approach the non-linear dynamics of FAHVs more exactly. The flexible models of FAHVs are difficult to measure because of the complex dynamics and the strong couplings, thus a full-order dynamic output feedback controller is designed for the fuzzy model. A robust H_∞ controller is designed for the obtained closed-loop system. By utilising the Lyapunov functional approach, sufficient solvability conditions for such controllers are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed T–S fuzzy dynamic output feedback control method is demonstrated by numerical simulations.     

Phase evolution and thermophysical properties of high-entropy RE2(Y0.2Yb0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2Ce0.2)2O7 oxides

Pursuing novel thermal barrier–coating materials with lower thermal conductivity and high-temperature stability can simultaneously improve the working efficiency and service temperature of a gas turbine. In this study, a series of high-entropy RE₂(Y_0.2Yb_0.2Nb_0.2Ta_0.2Ce_0.2)₂O₇ (RE = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Er) oxides were prepared though solid-state reaction. Through tuning the rare-earth cations, an order–disorder transition occurs from certain partially ordered weberite structure (C222₁) to disordered defective fluorite structure (Fm$\overline{3}$m). All the high-entropy RE₂(Y_0.2Yb_0.2Nb_0.2Ta_0.2Ce_0.2)₂O₇ oxides possess low thermal conductivity in the range of 0.91–1.34 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at room temperature, which can be attributed to increased lattice anharmonicity and disorder, resulting in additional phonon scattering. Herein, we proved that the incorporation of heterovalent cations at B-sites in high-entropy A₂B₂O₇ crystals is an effective strategy to reduce the thermal conductivity without compromising the decrease of oxygen vacancy. Moreover, the high-entropy RE₂(Y_0.2Yb_0.2Nb_0.2Ta_0.2Ce_0.2)₂O₇ oxides show the relatively higher thermal expansion coefficients of 10.3–10.7 × 10⁻⁶°C⁻¹ and excellent phase stability at elevated temperatures.     

How social distance shapes human–robot interaction

This paper investigates how social distance can serve as a lens through which we can understand human–robot relationships and develop guidelines for robot design. In two studies, we examine the effects of distance based on physical proximity (proxemic distance), organizational status (power distance), and task structure (task distance) on people׳s experiences with and perceptions of a humanlike robot. In Study 1, participants (n=32) played a card-matching game with a humanlike robot. We manipulated the power distance (supervisor vs. subordinate) and proxemic distance (close vs. distant) between participants and the robot. Participants who interacted with the supervisor robot reported a more positive user experience when the robot was close than when the robot was distant, while interactions with the subordinate robot resulted in a more positive experience when the robot was distant than when the robot was close. In Study 2, participants (n=32) played the game in two different task distances (cooperation vs. competition) and proxemic distances (close vs. distant). Participants who cooperated with the robot reported a more positive experience when the robot was distant than when it was close. In contrast, competing with the robot resulted in a more positive experience when it was close than when the robot was distant. The findings from the two studies highlight the importance of consistency between the status and proxemic behaviors of the robot and of task interdependency in fostering cooperation between the robot and its users. This work also demonstrates how social distance may guide efforts toward a better understanding of human–robot interaction and the development of effective design guidelines.     

A comprehensive approach to evaluating watershed models for predicting river flow regimes critical to downstream ecosystem services

Selection of strategies that help reduce riverine inputs requires numerical models that accurately quantify hydrologic processes. While numerous models exist, information on how to evaluate and select the most robust models is limited. Toward this end, we developed a comprehensive approach that helps evaluate watershed models in their ability to simulate flow regimes critical to downstream ecosystem services. We demonstrated the method using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), the Hydrological Simulation Program–FORTRAN (HSPF) model, and Distributed Large Basin Runoff Model (DLBRM) applied to the Maumee River Basin (USA). The approach helped in identifying that each model simulated flows within acceptable ranges. However, each was limited in its ability to simulate flows triggered by extreme weather events, owing to algorithms not being optimized for such events and mismatched physiographic watershed conditions. Ultimately, we found HSPF to best predict river flow, whereas SWAT offered the most flexibility for evaluating agricultural management practices.     

Disassembly sequence planning using a Simplified Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization algorithm

Disassembly Sequence Planning (DSP) is a challenging NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem. As a new and promising population-based evolutional algorithm, the Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm has been successfully applied to various research problems. However, TLBO is not capable or effective in DSP optimization problems with discrete solution spaces and complex disassembly precedence constraints. This paper presents a Simplified Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization (STLBO) algorithm for solving DSP problems effectively. The STLBO algorithm inherits the main idea of the teaching–learning-based evolutionary mechanism from the TLBO algorithm, while the realization method for the evolutionary mechanism and the adaptation methods for the algorithm parameters are different. Three new operators are developed and incorporated in the STLBO algorithm to ensure its applicability to DSP problems with complex disassembly precedence constraints: i.e., a Feasible Solution Generator (FSG) used to generate a feasible disassembly sequence, a Teaching Phase Operator (TPO) and a Learning Phase Operator (LPO) used to learn and evolve the solutions towards better ones by applying the method of precedence preservation crossover operation. Numerical experiments with case studies on waste product disassembly planning have been carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed operators and the results exhibited that the developed algorithm performs better than other relevant algorithms under a set of public benchmarks.     

Retaining and attracting users in social networking services: An empirical investigation of cyber migration

Users are the most critical strategic resource of any online social networking service (SNS). This paper offers strategic recommendations for SNS providers based on an empirical study exploring why users switch from a primary SNS to others. We first identify important characteristics that combine to distinguish SNSs from conventional information systems, then develop a “cyber migration” research model that includes push, pull and mooring factors which influence user intention to switch from one SNS to another. Findings from a field survey of 180 users reveal four significant factors that promote switching: dissatisfaction with socialization support, dissatisfaction with entertainment value, continuity cost, and peer influence. Strategies grounded in these factors are suggested for SNS providers to better attract and retain users.     

汽车磁流变减振器多项式模型的研究

将优化后的磁流变减振器放在MTS849减振器试验台上进行试验,在不同的减振器活塞运动速度下,改变通电电流,测试磁流变减振器的示功图和速度特性。利用试验数据,进行多项式拟合,精确的建立了该减振器的阻尼力模型,便于对其半主动悬架实施实时控制。     

Effect of Ti–Si–Fe alloys on microstructure and properties of nitride/oxynitride bonded SiC ceramics sintered under CO/N2 atmosphere

Ti–Si–Fe alloys extracted from high-titanium blast furnace slag were utilized to replace part of the silicon powders, and then nitride/oxynitride bonded SiC ceramics were prepared by reactive sintering in graphite bed. Ti–Si–Fe alloys could react with CO/N₂ at a low temperature (1200 °C), and the addition of Ti–Si–Fe alloys could reduce the nitriding temperature of Si. Density functional theory calculations suggested that Ti–Si–Fe alloys enhanced reaction activity via weakening the strength of CO and NN bonds. The regional equilibrium phase diagrams of Si–C–N–O and Ti–Si–C–N–O under CO/N₂ atmosphere were calculated by thermodynamics. The change of whiskers morphology was observed by scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the bulk density, the cold modulus of rupture, and the cold compressive strength improved with Ti–Si–Fe alloys content. The results showed that the addition of Ti–Si–Fe alloys not only significantly promoted nitriding of Si and formation of Si₃N₄ whiskers, but also improved the mechanical properties of the samples.