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At least 55 records · Page 3

Structural Aspects of System Identification

The problem of identifying linear dynamical systems is studied by considering structural and deterministic properties of linear systems that have an impact on stochastic identification algorithms. In particular considered is parametrization of linear systems so that there is a unique solution and all systems in appropriate class can be represented. It is assumed that a parametrization of system matrices has been established from a priori knowledge of the system, and the question is considered of when the unknown parameters of this system can be identified from input/output observations. It is assumed that the transfer function can be asymptotically identified, and the conditions are derived for the local, global and partial identifiability of the parametrization. Then it is shown that, with the right formulation, identifiability in the presence of feedback can be treated in the same way. Similarly the identifiability of parametrizations of systems driven by unobserved white noise is considered using the results from the theory of spectral factorization.

Glover, Keith↗

Application of singular value decomposition to structural dynamics systems with constraints

Singular value decomposition is used to construct a coordinate transformation for a linear dynamic system subject to linear, homogeneous constraint equations. The method is compared with two commonly used methods, namely classical Gaussian elimination and Walton-Steeves approach. Although the classical method requires fewer numerical operations, the singular value decomposition method is more accurate and convenient in eliminating the dependent coordinates. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the method.

Juang, J.-N.↗

Robustified time-optimal control of uncertain structural dynamic systems

A new approach for computing open-loop time-optimal control inputs for uncertain linear dynamical systems is developed. In particular, the single-axis, rest-to-rest maneuvering problem of flexible spacecraft in the presence of uncertainty in model parameters is considered. Robustified time-optimal control inputs are obtained by solving a parameter optimization problem subject to robustness constraints. A simple dynamical system with a rigid-body mode and one flexible mode is used to illustrate the concept.

Liu, Qiang↗

Optimal inputs for system identification

Identification criteria are presented for linear dynamic systems with and without process noise. With process noise, the state equations are replaced by the Kalman filter equations. If the identification performance index is expanded in a Taylor's series with respect to the parameters to be identified, then maximizing the weighting factor of the quadratic term with respect to the inputs will insure that an identification algorithm will converge more rapidly and to a more accurate result than with nonoptimal inputs. The expectation of this weighting factor is the Fisher information matrix, and its inverse is a lower bound for the covariance of the parameters. Direct and indirect methods of calculating the information matrix are presented for systems with and without process noise.

Reid, D. B.↗

On the periodic coordination of linear stochastic systems

The decentralized stochastic control of a linear dynamic system consisting of several subsystems is considered. A two-level approach is used by the introduction of a coordinator who collects measurements from the local controllers periodically and in return transmits coordinating parameters. Two types of coordination are considered: open-loop feedback and closed loop. The resulting control laws are found to be intuitively attractive.

Chong, C.-Y.↗

Coupling of fingertip somatosensory information to head and body sway

Light touch contact of a fingertip with a stationary surface can provide orientation information that enhances control of upright stance. Slight changes in contact force at the fingertip provide sensory cues about the direction of body sway, allowing attenuation of sway. In the present study, we asked to which extent somatosensory cues are part of the postural control system, that is, which sensory signal supports this coupling? We investigated postural control not only when the contact surface was stationary, but also when it was moving rhythmically (from 0.1 to 0.5 Hz). In doing so, we brought somatosensory cues from the hand into conflict with other parts of the postural control system. Our focus was the temporal relationship between body sway and the contact surface. Postural sway was highly coherent with contact surface motion. Head and body sway assumed the frequency of the moving contact surface at all test frequencies. To account for these results, a simple model was formulated by approximating the postural control system as a second-order linear dynamical system. The influence of the touch stimulus was captured as the difference between the velocity of the contact surface and the velocity of body sway, multiplied by a coupling constant. Comparison of empirical results (relative phase, coherence, and gain) with model predictions supports the hypothesis of coupling between body sway and touch cues through the velocity of the somatosensory stimulus at the fingertip. One subject, who perceived movement of the touch surface, demonstrated weaker coupling than other subjects, suggesting that cognitive mechanisms introduce flexibility into the postural control scheme.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗

Development of communications analysis techniques

Major results from the frequency analysis of system program (FASP) are reported. The FASP procedure was designed to analyze or design linear dynamic systems, but can be used to solve any problem that can be described by a system of linear time invariant differential equations. The program also shows plots of performance changes as design parameters are adjusted. Experimental results on narrowband FM distortion are also reported.

Shelton, R. D.↗

Development of a Linear Stirling Model with Varying Heat Inputs

The linear model of the Stirling system developed by NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been extended to include a user-specified heat input. Previously developed linear models were limited to the Stirling convertor and electrical load. They represented the thermodynamic cycle with pressure factors that remained constant. The numerical values of the pressure factors were generated by linearizing GRC s non-linear System Dynamic Model (SDM) of the convertor at a chosen operating point. The pressure factors were fixed for that operating point, thus, the model lost accuracy if a transition to a different operating point were simulated. Although the previous linear model was used in developing controllers that manipulated current, voltage, and piston position, it could not be used in the development of control algorithms that regulated hot-end temperature. This basic model was extended to include the thermal dynamics associated with a hot-end temperature that varies over time in response to external changes as well as to changes in the Stirling cycle. The linear model described herein includes not only dynamics of the piston, displacer, gas, and electrical circuit, but also the transient effects of the heater head thermal inertia. The linear version algebraically couples two separate linear dynamic models, one model of the Stirling convertor and one model of the thermal system, through the pressure factors. The thermal system model includes heat flow of heat transfer fluid, insulation loss, and temperature drops from the heat source to the Stirling convertor expansion space. The linear model was compared to a nonlinear model, and performance was very similar. The resulting linear model can be implemented in a variety of computing environments, and is suitable for analysis with classical and state space controls analysis techniques.

Regan, Timothy F.↗

Towards Formalization of Advanced Linear Algebra with Applications to Dynamical Systems using PVS

Linear Algebra is essential for numerous aerospace problems of interest. Formal reasoning about hybrid systems that contain variables modeled by differential equations rely on concepts from Linear Algebra such as eigenvalues, matrix decompositions, and matrix valued functions. For example, the long-term dynamics of a system of differential equations depend on the stability/instability of its equilibrium points, which often reduces to an eigenvalue problem. This talk will embark on a quest to formalize theorems and results about eigenvalues and eigenvectors using PVS. We shall start our journey with 2 x 2 complex matrices, where we will apply our PVS code to a simple example of a dynamical system. Since it can be difficult or impossible to give simple expressions of eigenvalues for larger matrices (i.e. 5 x 5 or higher), we then move towards specifying the power method for verified computation of eigenvalue approximations in PVS. This effort requires development of multivariate complex arithmetic. At the end of the day, having such additions to the PVS NASA libraries will help move towards the use of formal methods to verify concepts of control theory and system level verification.

Linear Algebra↗

Analysis of structural perturbations in systems via cost decomposition methods

It has long been common practice to analyze linear dynamic systems by decomposing the total response in terms of individual contributions which are easier to analyze. Examples of this philosophy include the expansion of transfer functions using: (1) the superposition principle, (2) residue theory and partial fraction expansions, (3) Markov parameters, Hankel matrices, and (4) regular and singular perturbations. This paper summarizes a new and different kind of expansion designed to decompose the norm of the response vector rather than the response vector itself. This is referred to as "cost-decomposition' of the system. The notable advantages of this type of decomposition are: (a) easy application to multi-input, multi-output systems, (b) natural compatibility with Linear Quadratic Gaussian Theory, (c) applicability to the analysis of more general types of structural perturbations involving inputs, outputs, states, parameters. Property (c) makes the method suitable for problems in model reduction, measurement/actuator selections, and sensitivity analysis.

Skelton, R. E.↗

Recent Results on "Approximations to Optimal Alarm Systems for Anomaly Detection"

An optimal alarm system and its approximations may use Kalman filtering for univariate linear dynamic systems driven by Gaussian noise to provide a layer of predictive capability. Predicted Kalman filter future process values and a fixed critical threshold can be used to construct a candidate level-crossing event over a predetermined prediction window. An optimal alarm system can be designed to elicit the fewest false alarms for a fixed detection probability in this particular scenario.

Martin, Rodney Alexander↗

Adaptive Key Component Control of Nonlinear Evolving Flexible Structures

An optimal alarm system and its approximations may use Kalman filtering for univariate linear dynamic systems driven by Gaussian noise to provide a layer of predictive capability. Predicted Kalman filter future process values and a fixed critical threshold can be used to construct a candidate level-crossing event over a predetermined prediction window. An optimal alarm system can be designed to elicit the fewest false alarms for a fixed detection probability in this particular scenario.

Balas, Mark↗

Applications of symbolic computing methods to the dynamic analysis of large systems

Since the symbolic computing language is very well suited to the operations with algebraic equations, techniques use the transfer function concept as a tool for the analysis of large linear dynamic systems. Techniques were coded in the experimental symbolic computer language FORMAC. The first of these approaches, REDUCE 1, establishes the techniques and a computer program to symbolically reduce arbitrary block diagrams associated with large systems for desired transfer functions. Symbolic closed form solutions are determined in several forms including an expanded form in terms of the driving frequencies and system constants. Programs are also written to numerically evaluate the symbolic solutions. A second computer program, REDUCE 2, is also based on the use of symbolic computing methods and was written to accommodate large engineering systems.

Lorenzo, C. F.↗

Integrated system identification and modal state estimation for control of flexible space structures

A novel approach of integrated system identification and modal state estimation is proposed for control of linear dynamical systems including flexible space structures. There are four steps involved in this approach. First, the relation between a stochastic state space model of a dynamical system and the coefficients of its autoregressive model with exogenous input is derived. Second, an adaptive least-squares transversal predictor is used to estimate the coefficients of the model. Third, a state space model and a steady state Kalman filter gain of the dynamical system are then identified from the coefficients of the model by using the eigensystem realization algorithm. Fourth, a modal state estimator is constructed using the modal parameters of the identified model. On-line implementation of this algorithm can continually improve the modal parameters and the filter gain. It can also gradually update the system model when the system characteristics are slowly changing. A numerical example is used to illustrate the feasibility of the new approach.

Chen, Chung-Wen↗

The structure of robust observers

Conventional observers for linear time-invariant systems are shown to be structurally inadequate from a sensitivity standpoint. It is proved that if a linear dynamic system is to provide observer action despite arbitrary small perturbations in a specified subset of its parameters, it must: (1) be a closed loop system, be driven by the observer error, (2) possess redundancy, the observer must be generating, implicitly or explicitly, at least one linear combination of states that is already contained in the measurements, and (3) contain a perturbation-free model of the portion of the system observable from the external input to the observer. The procedure for design of robust observers possessing the above structural features is established and discussed.

Bhattacharyya, S. P.↗