Local nonlinear unknown input observer

This paper proposes a new nonlinear unknown input observer. The observer design approach utilizes the first order Taylor expansion. The observer gains are then obtained by a systematic method. In this paper, we added some improvements to this method. The developed approach also can enable observer design for a large class of differentiable nonlinear systems. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the observer are given. A numerical example is given to illustrate the attractiveness and the simplicity of the new design procedure.     

A GGP approach to solve non convex min-max predictive controller for a class of constrained MIMO systems described by state-space models

This paper proposes a new method to solve non convex min-max predictive controller for a class of constrained linear Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) systems. A parametric uncertainty state space model is adopted to describe the dynamic behavior of the real process. Moreover, the output deviation method is used to design the j-step ahead output predictor. The control law is obtained by the resolution of a non convex min-max optimization problem under input constraints. The key idea is to transform the initial non convex optimization problem to a convex one by means of variable transformations. To this end, the Generalized Geometric Programming (GGP) which is a global deterministic optimization method is used. An efficient implementation of this approach will lead to an algorithm with a low computational burden. Simulation results performed on Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) system show successful set point tracking, constraints satisfaction and good non-zero disturbance rejection.     

Infra-red characterization of carbonization of Si surfaces by gas source molecular beam epitaxy

The carbonization and epitaxial growth of cubic SiC films on Si(100) substrates using C₂H₂ and solid Si sources has been investigated by means of infra-red Fourier transform spectroscopy. The carbonization of the Si surface is performed under continuous C₂H₂ flux in two steps: an ordinary process, plus an increase of the substrate temperature to its final value. Subsequent epitaxial films were grown under simultaneous supply of elemental Si and C₂H₂ gas beam. Infra-red reflectivity spectra of samples under different conditions are reported and permit the direct verification for the presence of SiC in carbonized layers, measure the thickness of the films and evaluate their quality.     

Robust controller for uncertain parameters systems

In this paper, we present the synthesis of a robust controller for Linear Time Invariant (LTI) uncertain systems. A linear parametric uncertainties model is used to describe the system dynamic behavior. The main purpose of this controller is to guarantee some step response performances such as the settling time and the overshoot. The controller synthesis is formulated as a min-max optimization problem which takes in account the desired closed-loop performances and the uncertainties on the model parameters. Then the controller parameters represent the best solution for the worst case of all possible models. In order to emphasize its performances and its efficiency, a real time implementation of the proposed controller on a laboratory pilot plant has been presented.     

Influence of molecular weight of poly(ortho‐ethoxyaniline) on the corrosion inhibition efficiency of mild steel in acidic media

The present work revealed that the chemical polymerization of ortho‐ethoxyaniline yields two types of polymers not only with different spectroscopic properties but also with different molecular weights: (1) a green form, which corresponds to the high molecular weight fraction of the polymer with a molecular weight of 800,000 g mol^?1 based on the polystyrene calibration. It is mainly composed of quinoid and benzoid structures, which is an indication of a half‐oxidized polymer (emeraldine). This form of the polymer is insoluble in water‐miscible solvents like ethanol and methanol and thus cannot be tested in terms of corrosion inhibition efficiency; (2) a red form, which corresponds to the low molecular weight fraction of the polymer with a molecular weight of 44,000 g mol^?1. It is composed mostly of quinoid structures and exhibits an oxidation state similar to that of the completely oxidized polymer (pernigraniline). In our case, the polymer fraction, which is soluble in alcohol, was first tested as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic media, not only at conventional molecular weight (44,000 g mol^?1) but also at different molecular weights. These different molecular weights of the polymer were obtained by adding varying amounts of neutral salt to the synthesis environment. Next, the effect of the molecular weight of the red form of the polymer on the corrosion inhibition efficiency of mild steel in hydrochloric acid solutions was investigated. The obtained results showed that the adsorption of the polymer alcoholic form obeys a Temkin adsorption isotherm with no significant change as function of inhibition efficiencies for a series of molecular weights ranging from13,000 to 124,000 g mol^?1. The effect of temperature on the corrosion behavior of mild steel in 1M HCl with addition of 100 ppm of the alcoholic form of poly(ortho‐ethoxyaniline) was studied in the temperature range 25–60°C. The associated activation corrosion energy was determined. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1275–1284, 2004     

Chylomicron beta-carotene and retinyl palmitate responses are dramatically diminished when men ingest beta-carotene with medium-chain rather than long-chain triglycerides

The effect of the ingestion of beta-carotene with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) or long-chain triglycerides (LCT) on the bioavailability and the provitamin A activity of beta-carotene was investigated in humans. Sixteen healthy young men ingested, on two different days, a test meal containing 120 mg beta-carotene incorporated into 40 g LCT (LCT meal) or 40 g MCT (MCT meal). This meal was followed 6 h later by a beta-carotene-free meal containing 40 g LCT. Chylomicron beta-carotene, retinyl palmitate and triglycerides were measured every hour for 12.5 h after the first meal. No significant increase in chylomicron triglycerides was detected for the 6 h after the MCT meal intake, whereas a significant increase in chylomicron triglycerides was observed after the LCT meal intake. The chylomicron beta-carotene and retinyl palmitate responses to the MCT meal (0-6 h area under the curves, AUC) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower [AUC = 68.1 +/- 26.8 and 43. 4 +/- 10.4 nmol/(L.h), for beta-carotene and retinyl palmitate, respectively] than those obtained after the LCT meal [301.4 +/- 64.0 and 166.0 +/- 29.0 nmol/(L.h), respectively]. The chylomicron beta-carotene and retinyl palmitate responses obtained after the beta-carotene-free meal (6-12.5 h AUC) were also significantly lower when the first meal provided MCT rather than LCT. The chylomicron (retinyl palmitate/beta-carotene) ratios were constant during the postprandial periods, whatever the meal ingested. We conclude that the chylomicron beta-carotene response is markedly diminished when beta-carotene is absorbed with MCT instead of LCT. This phenomenon is apparently due to the lack of secretion of chylomicrons in response to MCT; however, a lower intestinal absorption of beta-carotene or a higher transport of beta-carotene via the portal way in the presence of MCT cannot be ruled out. Finally, the data obtained show that MCT do not affect the rate of intestinal conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A.     

Experimental Validation of a 10-m-Span Composite UHPFRC–Carbon Fibers–Timber Bridge Concept

This paper presents the experimental study of a new structure for a 10-m-span bridge deck, which takes into account the range of possibilities offered by new and high-strength materials along with the advantages of a traditional environmental friendly material. This 10-m-span element is formed by wooden beams braced at their ends on supports, a thin (7-cm-thick) upper slab made of precast ultrahigh performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), and fiber-reinforced polymer at the lower chord of these beams. The test program has been aimed at identifying the major critical aspects involved in producing an initial estimate of safety margins as well as validations of the design process and its underlying assumptions. Under the first loading configuration derived from live traffic loads, both the transverse and local bending of the thin UHPFRC slab were activated and confirmed by means of a three-dimensional finite-element computation. The second loading configuration corresponds to pure global longitudinal bending, with the bearing capacity being monitored up to the theoretical ultimate limit state loading and then beyond, up to experimental failure. Critical mechanisms and safety factors have also been identified. Though concept feasibility has been demonstrated, some aspects still need to be further optimized in order to obtain greater ductility and safer control over failure modes and occurrences.     

A New Composite Bridge: Feasibility Validation and Vibration Monitoring

The first part of this article presents the feasibility study of a new structure for a 10-m-span bridge deck, taking into account the possibilities offered by new and high-strength materials and the advantages of a traditional environmental-friendly material. This 10-m-span element is formed by wooden beams braced at the ends, on supports atop a thin slab (7 cm thick) made of pre-cast ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete, and fiber-reinforced polymer at the bottom of the wooden beams. The issue of connecting the ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete to the wooden beams of high but possibly mismatching performance is addressed. An adhesive connection has been considered, following an increasing trend for composite structures where materials savings and optimal performance are searched in every component. The second part of this article presents the vibration-based damage monitoring. Small localized damages are hardly detected by global monitoring methods. The effectiveness of vibration-based detection depends on the accuracy of the modal parameter estimates and is limited by the low sensitivity of the modal parameters to a local stiffness reduction. A local reduction of stiffness related to frequency changes less than 1% was successfully detected on the bridge mockup after loading up to the serviceability limit state (SLS). Such a small decrease in the stiffness was not detected by the monitoring of the static load-deflection measurements but was confirmed by nonlinear local strain measurements. Statistical subspace-based damage detection successfully detected the change of the modal parameters of the investigated structure. Further analysis with a finite element model was conducted for assessing the consistency of the expected location and extent of the damaged elements.     

Fleece Production,Scouring Yield,and Down Hair Yield of Tunisian Dromedary

The results show that the greasy fleece weight varied from 0.3 kg to 2.42 kg with an average of 0.75 kg. The fleece weight decreases according to the animal age. In fact, the factor “age” has a significant effect on the dromedary fleece weight. Average scoured yield was 96% with V% of 1.6%. This indicated that matter loss, after scouring dromedary fibres, was lower than wool and cashmere. Scoured yield did not vary between samples of varied dromedary body areas in any age. The down hair yield for the fleece of the Tunisian dromedary varies between 34% and 61% with a mean of 45%. This raises interest when compared to the cashmere yield. There is a clearly decreased dromedary down hair yield according the factor “age”. The analysis of the variance shows that the dromedary down hair yield was affected by the factors “age” and body area of the animal.

Following this work it will be possible to predict the amount of down yield in the fleece of Tunisian dromedary knowing age. Consequently, it will be possible to estimate the total amount of textile material camel from dromedary located in Tunisia.