Integral barrier Lyapunov function-based adaptive fuzzy output feedback control for nonlinear delayed systems with time-varying full-state constraints

In this article, an adaptive fuzzy output feedback control method is presented for nonlinear time-delay systems with time-varying full state constraints and input saturation. To overcome the problem of time-varying constraints, the integral barrier Lyapunov functions (IBLFs) integrating with dynamic surface control (DSC) are applied for the first time to keep the state from violating constraints. The effects of unknown time delays can be removed by using designed Lyapunov-Krasovskii functions (LKFs). An auxiliary design system is introduced to solve the problem of input saturation. The unknown nonlinear functions are approximated by the fuzzy logic systems (FLS), and the unmeasured states are estimated by a designed fuzzy observer. The novel controller can guarantee that all signals remain semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded and satisfactory tracking performance is achieved. Finally, two simulation examples illustrate the effectiveness of the presented control methods.     

Teaching and Learning Electrochemistry

Numerous conceptual difficulties and misconceptions have been reported in the science and chemistry education literature about electrochemistry concepts such as electrolytes, redox equations, and about electrochemical (galvanic and electrolytic) cells. Other studies have considered teaching approaches aimed at improving learning and at overcoming misconceptions. This paper reviews these studies and considers strategies and approaches for the effective teaching of electrochemistry. Then, the review focuses on problem solving in equilibrium electrochemistry, especially problems involving the Nernst equation. The main findings of four studies with Greek university chemistry students, dealing with: (i) algorithmic problem‐solving ability; (ii) practice on problem solving; (iii) the effect of the format of a problem; and (iv) the construction and evaluation of a website devoted to electrochemistry problem solving, are reported.     

Adaptive fuzzy control for nontriangular form systems with time-varying full-state constraints

This article investigates an adaptive fuzzy tracking control problem for a class of nontriangular form systems with asymmetric time-varying full state constraints. Unknown functions are approximated by the fuzzy logic systems. A domination approach is employed to tackle the nontriangular form structure. Time-varying asymmetric barrier Lyapunov functions (ABLFs) are adopted to ensure full-state constraints satisfaction. Based on the backstepping technique and time-varying ABLFs, an adaptive controller is proposed and guarantees that all the signals in the closed-loop system are ultimately bounded and the time-varying full state constraints are met. Simulation examples are presented to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

A note on the value function for constrained control problems

We consider the Mayer optimal control problem with dynamics given by a nonconvex differential inclusion, whose trajectories are constrained to a given set and we obtain a relation between the costate function that appears in the maximum principle and the value function. This relation extends the known conditions existing in the literature for unconstrained problems to those for problems under state constraints.     

MIMO系统的约束广义预测控制

讨论了输出终端带不等式约束情形的多输入多输出系统，说明了这些约束可以通过修改输入柔化系数而使其得以满足，在柔化系数的选择范围确定过程中，为了避免矩阵求逆，采用利用已知数据辨识参数的方法来确定柔化系数，从而使得问题简化。降低了计算量且加快了收敛速度。     

Understanding the differences between how novice and experienced designers approach design tasks

Research was undertaken to understand how to provide the most appropriate support for novice designers in engineering design. However, how designers apply their experience and knowledge is not understood and further research in this area is required. This paper describes an observational study to understand how novice and experienced designers approach design tasks. Electronic Publication     

海底管道系统失效故障树的建立及定性分析

受自然环境、管道腐蚀、第三方破坏及管理不善等因素的影响,海底管道系统在铺设及运行过程中常常会失效。文中以海底管道穿孔、凝管、断裂和设备故障等主要失效形式为顶事件建立了海底管道系统失效故障树,通过系统的定性分析得到了海底管道系统失效故障树的37个一阶最小割集,进而确定了影响海底管道系统失效的4项主要因素,并针对这些主要因素提出了相应的解决问题的措施。     

基于MATLAB在化工优化设计中的应用

结合化工优化计算的实例，着重介绍如何应用MATLAB7．0提供的优化工具箱来对线性规划及非线性规划模型进行求解。