Synthesis of sliding-mode controllers for nonlinear systems via extended linearization

In this article, a general synthesis method is proposed for the design of discontinuous feedback strategies leading to asymptotically stabilizing sliding regimes. The method is applicable to the class of nonlinear dynamical systems possessing constant equilibrium points. A family of nonlinear stabilizing sliding manifolds, parametrized by generic desired equilibrium point, is specified on the basis of the extended linearization approach. Some examples including simulations are presented for illustrative purposes. Editor: S. Zak     

Wake and aerodynamics loads in multiple bodies—application to turbomachinery blade rows

Two-dimensional, unsteady flow around bodies of complex geometry (or multiple bodies) at high Reynolds number is simulated using the vortex method. This method is modified to take into account the sub-grid scale phenomena through a second order velocity structure function model adapted to the Lagrangian scheme. The dynamics of the body wake is computed using the convection-diffusion splitting algorithm; the convection process is carried out with a Lagrangian Adams-Bashforth time-marching scheme and the diffusion process is simulated using the random walk method. The pressure distribution is obtained using an integral equation derived from the pressure Poisson equation, which was first developed for a single body. Results for the numerical simulation around a linear cascade of airfoils are presented. As the flow is periodic in the y direction, the discrete vortex shedding need only be considered for a reference airfoil. The flow characteristics around the NACA 65-410 series airfoils are calculated and comparisons are made with results available in the literature.     

Bedload Transport in Alluvial Channels

Hydraulic, sediment, land-use, and rock-erosivity data of 22 alluvial streams were used to evaluate conditions of bedload transport and the performance of selected bedload-transport equations. Transport categories of transport-limited (TL), partially transport-limited (PTL), and supply-limited (SL) were identified by a semiquantitative approach that considers hydraulic constraints on sediment movement and the processes that control sediment availability at the basin scale. Equations by Parker et al. in 1982, Schoklitsch in 1962, and Meyer-Peter and Muller in 1948 adequately predicted sediment transport in channels with TL condition, whereas the equations of Bagnold in 1980, and Schoklitsch, in 1962, performed well for PTL and SL conditions. Overall, the equation of Schoklitsch predicted well the measured bedload data for eight of 22 streams, and the Bagnold equation predicted the measured data in seven streams.     

Simulation of toxic gases and vapours removal by activated carbon filters

The system ASC carbon filter/cyanogen chloride was studied by simulation. Three filter configurations and several models, taking into account Langmuir adsorption and second-order reaction between the adsorbed toxic vapour and the active metal on the surface, were developed.The effects of axial dispersion, number of reaction units, film mass transfer units and intraparticle mass transfer resistance on the breakthrough time were studied.Simulation results show that a complex model should be used in order to predict with reasonable accuracy the protection imparted by these filters.     

Mass/heat-exchange network representation of distillation networks

This article introduces the “state space” conceptual framework to process synthesis, which is used to provide a novel representation of a distillation network as a composite heat- and mass-exchange network. This representation suggests that distillation network synthesis may best be viewed as an interacting heat- and mass-exchange network synthesis problem. In that regard, familiar tools (such as pinch diagrams) from both heat-exchange network (HEN) and mass-exchange network (MEN) synthesis are shown to be of use in arriving at energy-efficient distillation network designs. Examples of propylene-propane and solvent-water separations are used to illustrate the proposed conceptual framework.     

Process heat integration of a heavy crude hydrotreatment plant

The present paper focuses on the study of process alternatives for heat integration of a heavy crude oil hydrotreatment plant. Experimental information obtained from a pilot scale, kinetics and reactor modeling tools, and a commercial process simulator were employed to develop mass and energy balances. Four study cases, which employ a combination of quenching and heat exchangers, were identified and evaluated. The results indicated that the case with two quenches with hydrogen and three heat exchangers is the best process heat integration (PHI) option from an energetic point of view.     

Independent common-mode and differential-mode design of fully differential analog filters

Fully differential filter design is usually made departing from a single-ended prototype. This procedure guarantees the desired differential-mode response, but does not take into account common-mode dynamics, which could present nonacceptable transient responses or stability problems. A state-space design technique, which provides control of both differential and common-mode responses, is proposed. It is based on a feedback topology that allows independent assignment of differential and common-mode eigenvalues. This technique ensures circuit stability and also provides a high common-mode rejection ratio, which is independent of component unbalances. Experimental results on a first-order state-space filter are presented.     

The effect of probability of coalescence on the evolution of bubble sizes in a turbulent pipeline flow: A numerical study

A population balance method in which continuum and discrete phases are integrated is developed to simulate the evolution of polydisperse population of bubbles in a turbulent pipeline flow. The investigation is focused on the effect of the coalescence efficiency on this evolution. A dilute system of bubbles under microgravity conditions is considered. It is found that if the initial coalescence efficiency is low, a slight increase produces a significant effect on the bubble coalescence rate, and thus on the evolution of the population. If, however, the initial coalescence efficiency is high, its increase results in a marginal effect on the way the population evolves. The results of simulations are validated against experimental data on the population mean.