Decentralized robust control for a class of uncertain large-scale interconnected nonlinear dynamical systems

The problem of the decentralized robust control for a class of large-scale interconnected nonlinear dynamical systems with input interconnection and external interconnection perturbations is considered. Based on the stabilizability of each nominal isolated subsystem (i.e., the isolated subsystem in the absence of interconnection perturbations), a class of decentralized local state feedback controllers is proposed, and some sufficient conditions are derived by making use of the Lyapunov stability criterion such that uncertain large-scale interconnected systems can be stabilized asymptotically by these decentralized state feedback controllers. For large-scale systems with only input interconnection perturbations, such decentralized controllers become a class of decentralized stabilizing state feedback controllers. That is, the decentralized stability of such large-scale systems can be guaranteed always by using the decentralized state feedback controllers proposed in the paper. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the validity of the results.     

Decomposition of arborescent linear programs

We apply what we call sequential projection to reformulate certain linear programs as recursive optimization problems. We then apply the standard idea of approximating the return function at each stage of the recursion by using inner (or outer) linearization, and iteratively refining the approximation until the original linear program has been solved. The contribution of the paper lies in its unification of existing decomposition approaches and in showing that they can be generalized to apply to what we call arborescent linear programs.     

A new efficient and practical synthesis of 2-deoxy-l-ribose

An efficient and practical route for large-scale synthesis of 2-deoxy-l-ribose starting from l-ascorbic acid was developed in eight steps without chromatographic purification for all intermediates. Additionally, (2S,3R)-3,4-epoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidenebutane-1,2-diol, a versatile intermediate in carbohydrate synthesis, was also prepared readily in excellent yield as a key intermediate.     

关于液体内大规模声处理中空化研究的几点思考——再论声空化工程

再次强调了大规模液体中超声处理、以及为此目的研究声空化的重要性。提出了对这项应用中声空化行为的几点思考,重点是关于声空化的"强度"以及关于电动力式和流体动力式两类产生空化系统所产生空化的不同特性。     

Sparse quasi-Newton updates with positive definite matrix completion

Quasi-Newton methods are powerful techniques for solving unconstrained minimization problems. Variable metric methods, which include the BFGS and DFP methods, generate dense positive definite approximations and, therefore, are not applicable to large-scale problems. To overcome this difficulty, a sparse quasi-Newton update with positive definite matrix completion that exploits the sparsity pattern of the Hessian is proposed. The proposed method first calculates a partial approximate Hessian , where , using an existing quasi-Newton update formula such as the BFGS or DFP methods. Next, a full matrix H _k+1, which is a maximum-determinant positive definite matrix completion of , is obtained. If the sparsity pattern E (or its extension F) has a property related to a chordal graph, then the matrix H _k+1 can be expressed as products of some sparse matrices. The time and space requirements of the proposed method are lower than those of the BFGS or the DFP methods. In particular, when the Hessian matrix is tridiagonal, the complexities become O(n). The proposed method is shown to have superlinear convergence under the usual assumptions.      

Next-generation aqueous flow battery chemistries

The battery industry is seeking solutions for large-scale energy storage that are affordable, durable, and safe. Aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) have the inherent properties to meet these requirements. While much has been learned over the past decade on the properties of redox materials, the focus of next-generation systems must be primarily on lowering redox material cost and increasing durability. In this context, in addition to inexpensive materials such as iron salts, redox couples based on small organic molecules have shown significant promise. A considerable level of understanding has been gained on the factors affecting the durability of aqueous RFB systems, specifically relating to molecular stability and crossover. New molecular classes, substituent strategies, and cell configurations have been identified to enhance the durability of systems in the future. Next-generation systems will also need to focus on designing molecules for achieving high energy efficiency and power density as well. Furthermore, the application of computational methods for screening of chemical stability could accelerate discovery of new molecular architectures.     

The guaranteed cost control for uncertain nonlinear large-scale stochastic systems via state and static output feedback

The guaranteed cost control (GCC) problem involved in decentralized robust control of a class of uncertain nonlinear large-scale stochastic systems with high-order interconnections is considered. After determining the appropriate conditions for the stochastic GCC controller, a class of decentralized local state feedback controllers is derived using the linear matrix inequality (LMI). The extension of the result of the study to the static output feedback control problem is discussed by considering the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions. The efficiency of the proposed design method is demonstrated on the basis of simulation results.     

The cavitation erosion of ultrasonic sonotrode during large-scale metallic casting: Experiment and simulation

Ultrasonic sonotrodes play an essential role in transmitting power ultrasound into the large-scale metallic casting. However, cavitation erosion considerably impairs the in-service performance of ultrasonic sonotrodes, leading to marginal microstructural refinement. In this work, the cavitation erosion behaviour of ultrasonic sonotrodes in large-scale castings was explored using the industry-level experiments of Al alloy cylindrical ingots (i.e. 630 mm in diameter and 6000 mm in length). When introducing power ultrasound, severe cavitation erosion was found to reproducibly occur at some specific positions on ultrasonic sonotrodes. However, there is no cavitation erosion present on the ultrasonic sonotrodes that were not driven by electric generator. Vibratory examination showed cavitation erosion depended on the vibration state of ultrasonic sonotrodes. Moreover, a finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate the evolution and distribution of acoustic pressure in 3-D solidification volume. FE simulation results confirmed that significant dynamic interaction between sonotrodes and melts only happened at some specific positions corresponding to severe cavitation erosion. This work will allow for developing more advanced ultrasonic sonotrodes with better cavitation erosion-resistance, in particular for large-scale castings, from the perspectives of ultrasonic physics and mechanical design.