Mathematical problems of modeling stochastic nonlinear dynamic systems
Systems analysis logic applied to mathematical modeling of dynamic nonlinear stochastic processes
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Systems analysis logic applied to mathematical modeling of dynamic nonlinear stochastic processes
This paper presents a discussion of the applicability of neural networks in the identification and control of dynamic systems. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of how the neural networks handle linear systems and how the new approach is related to conventional system identification and control methods. Extensions of the approach to nonlinear systems are then made. The paper explains the fundamental concepts of neural networks in their simplest terms. Among the topics discussed are feed forward and recurrent networks in relation to the standard state-space and observer models, linear and nonlinear auto-regressive models, linear, predictors, one-step ahead control, and model reference adaptive control for linear and nonlinear systems. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the application of these important concepts.
Neural networks are being developed at NASA Ames Research Center to permit real-time adaptive control of time varying nonlinear systems, enhance the fault-tolerance of mission hardware, and permit online system reconfiguration. In general, the problem of controlling time varying nonlinear systems with unknown structures has not been solved. Adaptive neural control techniques show considerable promise and are being applied to technical challenges including automated docking of spacecraft, dynamic balancing of the space station centrifuge, online reconfiguration of damaged aircraft, and reducing cost of new air and spacecraft designs. Our experiences have shown that neural network algorithms solved certain problems that conventional control methods have been unable to effectively address. These include damage mitigation in nonlinear reconfiguration flight control, early performance estimation of new aircraft designs, compensation for damaged planetary mission hardware by using redundant manipulator capability, and space sensor platform stabilization. This presentation explored these developments in the context of neural network control theory. The discussion began with an overview of why neural control has proven attractive for NASA application domains. The more important issues in control system development were then discussed with references to significant technical advances in the literature. Examples of how these methods have been applied were given, followed by projections of emerging application needs and directions.
System of computer programs for testing iterative methods for solving nonlinear systems of equations
Wave correlation evolution in uniformly turbulent weakly nonlinear systems
The Collatz Conjecture is a famous mathematics problem that is simple to state and understand but remains unsolved. In this paper, the problem is recast as a discrete-time nonlinear system. and viewed in a new light from the perspective of nonlinear systems and feedback control theory. In particular, connections are made between the Collatz sequence of numbers and the behavior of closed-loop dynamical systems designed using a feedback control method called sliding mode control. Trajectories of such systems are characterized by a reaching phase and a sliding phase, the latter of which exhibits exponential convergence. As sliding mode control design is rooted in Lyapunov stability theory, the analogy suggests a new direction for proving or disproving the Collatz Conjecture. Although several possible approaches are discussed, no formal proof is given in this paper.
Active large angle slewing maneuvers of a multi-body flexible dynamic system are investigated. An appropriate state variable transformation and a feedback linearization technique are employed to transform the dynamics of the nonlinear system to a new state that is more amenable to control design procedures. Closed-loop feedback algorithms are implemented to perform slewing maneuvers, while simultaneously suppressing flexural vibrations of the system. Stability of this class of nonlinear systems is also investigated, whereby a sufficient condition for asymptotic stability of the system is established. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the proposed active control algorithms.
The purpose of the investigation reported upon is to study the existence and characteristics of self-sustained oscillations in the dynamic behavior of the Large Space Telescope (LST) system due to the presence of nonlinear gimbal friction in the control moment gyroscopes (CMGs). A continuous-data single-axis model of the LST is considered. A solid friction model is used to represent CMG gimbal friction. A rigorous mathematical model is derived for use in a continuous describing function analysis. Conditions for self-sustained oscillations are then determined.
Presented here is a preliminary study of the limits to solar flux intensity prediction, and of whether the general lack of predictability in the solar flux arises from the nonlinear chaotic nature of the Sun's physical activity. Statistical analysis of a chaotic signal can extract only its most gross features, and detailed physical models fail, since even the simplest equations of motion for a nonlinear system can exhibit chaotic behavior. A recent theory by Feigenbaum suggests that nonlinear systems that can be led into chaotic behavior through a sequence of period-doubling bifurcations will exhibit a universal behavior. As the control parameter is increased, the bifurcation points occur in such a way that a proper ratio of these will approach the universal Feigenbaum number. Experimental evidence supporting the applicability of the Feigenbaum scenario to solar flux data is sparse. However, given the hypothesis that the Sun's convection zones are similar to a Rayleigh-Bernard mechanism, we can learn a great deal from the remarkable agreement observed between the prediction by theory (period doubling - a universal route to chaos) and the amplitude decrease of the signal's regular subharmonics. The authors show that period-doubling-type bifurcation is a possible route to a chaotic pattern of solar flux that is distinguishable from the logarithm of its power spectral density. This conclusion is the first positive step toward a reformulation of solar flux by a nonlinear chaotic approach. The ultimate goal of this research is to be able to predict an estimate of the upper and lower bounds for solar flux within its predictable zones. Naturally, it is an important task to identify the time horizons beyond which predictability becomes incompatible with computability.
A preliminary study of the limits to solar flux intensity prediction, and of whether the general lack of predictability in the solar flux arises from the nonlinear chaotic nature of the Sun's physical activity is presented. Statistical analysis of a chaotic signal can extract only its most gross features, and detailed physical models fail, since even the simplest equations of motion for a nonlinear system can exhibit chaotic behavior. A recent theory by Feigenbaum suggests that nonlinear systems that can be led into chaotic behavior through a sequence of period-doubling bifurcations will exhibit a universal behavior. As the control parameter is increased, the bifurcation points occur in such a way that a proper ratio of these will approach the universal Feigenbaum number. Experimental evidence supporting the applicability of the Feigenbaum scenario to solar flux data is sparse. However, given the hypothesis that the Sun's convection zones are similar to a Rayleigh-Bernard mechanism, we can learn a great deal from the remarkable agreement observed between the prediction by theory (period doubling - a universal route to chaos) and the amplitude decrease of the signal's regular subharmonics. It is shown that period-doubling-type bifurcation is a possible route to a chaotic pattern of solar flux that is distinguishable from the logarithm of its power spectral density. This conclusion is the first positive step toward a reformulation of solar flux by a nonlinear chaotic approach. The ultimate goal of this research is to be able to predict an estimate of the upper and lower bounds for solar flux within its predictable zones. Naturally, it is an important task to identify the time horizons beyond which predictability becomes incompatible with computability.
Real time computer algorithm for achieving optimal position of tracking antenna with nonlinear control system
Step input linear system modeling from nonlinear system sampled noisy data based on method of perturbation or quasilinearization of automatic control system data
More than 20 real periodicities ranging from 20 days to 2 years modulate the solar irradiance data accumulated since November 1978 by Nimbus 7. Many are quite strong during the first three years (solar maximum) and weak after that. There is a high correspondence between periods in irradiance and 28 periods predicted from the rotation and beating of global solar oscillations (r-modes and g-modes). Angular states l = 1, 2, and 3 are detected as well as some unresolved r-mode power at higher l. The prominence of beat periods implies a nonlinear system whose effective nonlinear power was measured to be about 2. This analysis constitutes a detection of r-modes in the sun, and determines from them a mean sidereal rotation rate for the convective envelope of 459 + or - 4 nHz which converts to a period of 25.2 days (27.1d, synodic).
Sensors used to monitor bioreactor conditions directly often perform poorly in the face of adverse nonphysiological conditions. One way to circumvent this is to use a remote sensor block. However, such a configuration usually causes a significant time lag between measurements and the actual state values. Here, the problem of implementing feedback control strategies for such systems, described by nonlinear equations, is addressed. The problem is posed as an optimal control problem with a linear quadratic performance index. The linear control law so obtained is used to implement feedback. A global linearization technique as well as an expansion using Taylor series is used to linearize the nonlinear system, and the feedback is subsequently implemented.
A robustly stabilizing MPC (model predictive control) algorithm for uncertain nonlinear systems is developed that guarantees the resolvability of the associated finite-horizon optimal control problem in a receding-horizon implementation. The control consists of two components; (i) feedforward, and (ii) feedback part. Feed-forward control is obtained by online solution of a finite-horizon optimal control problem for the nominal system dynamics. The feedback control policy is designed off-line based on a bound on the uncertainty in the system model. The entire controller is shown to be robustly stabilizing with a region of attraction composed of initial states for which the finite-horizon optimal control problem is feasible. The controller design for this algorithm is demonstrated on a class of systems with uncertain nonlinear terms that have norm-bounded derivatives, and derivatives in polytopes. An illustrative numerical example is also provided.
Wiener kernels of nonlinear system based on cross- correlation techniques
Energy efficient, lightweight robot arms for space applications have considerable structural flexibility. For large and fast motions, both the nonlinear coupled dynamics and the elastic behavior of the robots must be considered in control system designs. This paper presents an approach to the control of a class of flexible robotic systems. A control law is derived which decouples the joint-angle motion from the flexible motion and asymptotically decomposes the elastic dynamics into two subsystems, representing the transverse vibrations of the elastic link in two orthogonal planes. This decomposition allows the design of an elastic mode stabilizer independently based on lower order models representing structural flexibility. The closed-loop system is shown to be globally asymptotically stable and robust to uncertainty in system parameters. Simulation results are presented to show that large, fast control of joint angles can be performed in spite of space vehicle motion and uncertainty in the payload.
How the presence of nonlinearities in structural test data can be detected when using modern linear modal data analysis methods is discussed. The extent to which linear algorithms can provide useful information on nonlinear systems was discussed. The modal data analysis method successfully identified the frequency components (but not damping) of the true solution of a nonlinear systems. It was found that the approximate modal parameters of the linear system can be identified by the modal method when low levels of nonlinearities are present. The modal method successfully identified the modal parameters of a linear mode in the presence of a nonlinear response.