The projective method for solving linear matrix inequalities

Numerous problems in control and systems theory can be formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMI). Since solving an LMI amounts to a convex optimization problem, such formulations are known to be numerically tractable. However, the interest in LMI-based design techniques has really surged with the introduction of efficient interior-point methods for solving LMIs with a polynomial-time complexity. This paper describes one particular method called the Projective Method. Simple geometrical arguments are used to clarify the strategy and convergence mechanism of the Projective algorithm. A complexity analysis is provided, and applications to two generic LMI problems (feasibility and linear objective minimization) are discussed.     

Hydrolysis study of organic acid anhydrides by differential thermal analysis-I Pyromellitic dianhydride

A technique for following the hydrolysis of pyromellitic acid dianhydride (PMDA) by differential thermal analysis (DTA) is described. On exposure of PMDA to moisture, an endothennic peak is initiated between 190 and 200 degrees . As the degree of hydrolysis increases, this peak becomes more intense and shifts to higher temperatures. The formation of pyromellitic acid (PMA) during the hydrolysis of PMDA can be determined qualitatively by DTA.