Vehicle path tracking by integrated chassis control

The control problem of trajectory based path following for passenger vehicles is studied. Comprehensive nonlinear vehicle model is utilized for simulation vehicle response during various maneuvers in MATLAB/Simulink. In order to follow desired path, a driver model is developed to enhance closed loop driver/vehicle model. Then, linear quadratic regulator(LQR) controller is developed which regulates direct yaw moment and corrective steering angle on wheels. Particle swam optimization(PSO) method is utilized to optimize the LQR controller for various dynamic conditions. Simulation results indicate that, over various maneuvers, side slip angle and lateral acceleration can be reduced by 10% and 15%, respectively, which sustain the vehicle stable. Also, anti-lock brake system is designed for longitudinal dynamics of vehicle to achieve desired slip during braking and accelerating. Proposed comprehensive controller demonstrates that vehicle steerability can increase by about 15% during severe braking by preventing wheel from locking and reducing stopping distance.

Influence of EDTA on the Morphology of Barium Carbonate Using High Gravity Technology

The superfine BaCO3 particles were synthesized by high gravity technology with BaCl·2H2O and Na2CO3 as the raw materials. The changes of particle size and morphology were studied by adding different amount of EDTA, and rod-like, near-spherical and cylindrical shape BaCO3 were prepared. The BaCO3 particles were analyzed and characterized by TG/SDAT, SEM, XRD and FT-IR. The results indicated that the crystal transformation temperature and decomposition temperature of BaCO3 had increased because of EDTA addition. With the increase of EDTA amount, the shape of BaCO3 changed from irregular rod-like to near-spherical then to cylindrical shape. All different shape BaCO3 adopts orthorhombic crystal systems.

Nonlinear model predictive control with relevance vector regression and particle swarm optimization

In this paper, a nonlinear model predictive control strategy which utilizes a probabilistic sparse kernel learning technique called relevance vector regression （RVR） and particle swarm optimization with controllable random exploration velocity （PSO-CREV） is applied to a catalytic continuous stirred tank reactor （CSTR） process. An accurate reliable nonlinear model is first identified by RVR with a radial basis function （RBF） kernel and then the optimization of control sequence is speeded up by PSO-CREV. Additional stochastic behavior in PSO-CREV is omitted for faster convergence of nonlinear optimization. An improved system performance is guaranteed by an accurate sparse predictive model and an efficient and fast optimization algorithm. To compare the performance, model predictive control （MPC） using a deterministic sparse kernel learning technique called Least squares support vector machines （LS-SVM） regression is done on a CSTR. Relevance vector regression shows improved tracking performance with very less computation time which is much essential for real time control.

Investigation of condition-induced bubble size and distribution in electroflotation using a high-speed camera

In the flotation process, bubble is a key factor in studying bubble-particle interaction and fine particle flo- tation. Knowledge on size distribution of bubbles in a flotation system is highly important. In this study, bubble distributions in different reagent concentrations, electrolyte concentrations, cathode apertures, and current densities in electroflotation are determined using a high-speed camera. Average bubble sizes under different conditions are calculated using Image-Pro@ Plus （Media Cybernetics@, MD, USA） and SigmaScan@ Pro （Systat Software, CA, USA） software. Results indicate that the average sizes of bubbles, which were generated through 38, 50, 74, 150, 250, 420, and 1000 μm cathode apertures, are 20.2, 29.5, 44.6, 59.2, 68.7, 78.5, and 88.8 μm, respectively. The optimal current density in electroflotation is 20 A/m2. Reagent and electrolyte concentrations, current density, and cathode aperture are important factors in controlling bubble size and nucleation. These factors also contribute to the control of fine- Particle flotation.

Critical points in the formulation of pharmaceutical swellable controlled release dosage forms——Influence of particle size

Swellable matrix represents one of the most employed controlled release systems. These dosage forms provide slow release of drugs to reduce the fluctuation of drug concentration in plasma in order to improve the efficiency of treatment and/or to reduce adverse effects. The application of the concepts of statistical physics has allowed discovering the existence of critical points in the formulation of swellable matrices. These points, representing the volume fractions of the tablet components where the properties of the matrix diverge or change suddenly, provide important knowledge of how to rationalize the design of swellable matrices. The critical points are generally related to the percolation threshold of one of the components of the formulation, which corresponds to a geometrical phase transition of this component, passing from isolation to spanning the whole system. The last section of the paper is devoted to more recent findings concerning the influence of particle size of the components on the percolation threshold of the matrix forming polymer, and therefore on the release behaviour of the matrix. Knowledge of the excipient percolation threshold allows a more rational design of swellable matrices, according to the guidelines of the regulatory authorities concerning science-based formulation and quality by design.

Tomographic PIV investigation on coherent vortex structures over shark-skin-inspired drag-reducing riblets

Nature has shown us that the microstructure of the skin of fast-swimming sharks in the ocean can reduce the skin friction drag due to the well-known shark-skin effect.In the present study,the effect of shark-skin-inspired riblets on coherent vortex structures in a turbulent boundary layer（TBL） is investigated.This is done by means of tomographic particle image velocimetry（TPIV） measurements in channel fl ws over an acrylic plate of drag-reducing riblets at a friction Reynolds number of 190.The turbulent fl ws over drag-reducing riblets are verifie by a planar time-resolved particle image velocimetry（TRPIV） system initially,and then the TPIV measurements are performed.Two-dimensional（2D） experimental results with a dragreduction rate of around 4.81% are clearly visible over triangle riblets with a peak-to-peak spacing s＋of 14,indicating from the drag-reducing performance that the buffer layer within the TBL has thickened;the logarithmic law region has shifted upward and the Reynolds shear stress decreased.A comparison of the spatial topological distributions of the spanwise vorticity of coherent vortex structures extracted at different wall-normal heights through the improved quadrant splitting method shows that riblets weaken the amplitudesof the spanwise vorticity when ejection（Q2） and sweep（Q4） events occur at the near wall,having the greatest effect on Q4 events in particular.The so-called quadrupole statistical model for coherent structures in the whole TBL is verified Meanwhile,their spatial conditional-averaged topological shapes and the spatial scales of quadrupole coherent vortex structures as a whole in the overlying turbulent fl w over riblets are changed,suggesting that the riblets dampen the momentum and energy exchange between the regions of near-wall and outer portion of the TBL by depressing the bursting events（Q2 and Q4）,thereby reducing the skin friction drag.

Swelling and diffusion model of a hydrophilic film coating on controlled-release urea particles

Controlled-release urea was fabricated by coating urea particles with a polymer latex in a fluidized bed. The latex film coated on the urea particle surface was hydrophilic and swelled in water. The film swelling in water and urea solution and properties of the swollen film were studied. The film swelling in urea solution followed the Lagergren＇s pseudo-first order kinetics with the swelling coefficient depending on the film material and experimental conditions. The effects of swelling on film structure and permeability were studied. The film permeability coefficient decreased with increasing swelling ratio with an approx- imately linear relationship. Based on the film formation process and structure of the swollen film. a film structure model consisting of dense and swollen phases was proposed. The permeability coefficient of the spherical film and cumulative release of urea from the coated particles were calculated from the swelling ratio of the spherical film. which was determined from the expansion curve of the coated particle during the release process, The calculated and measured release curves agreed well, This research indicates that the swelling of the hydrophilic film and the controlled-release mechanism are important factors in the development of controlled-release urea.

Improved MPPT Control Strategy for PV Connected to Grid Using IncCond-PSO-MPC Approach

This paper proposes a new hybrid maximum power point tracking(MPPT)control strategy for grid-connected solar systems based on Incremental conductance—Particle Swarm Optimization and Model Predictive Controller(IncCond-PSOMPC).The purpose of the suggested method is to create as much power as feasible from a PV system during environmental changes,then transfer it to the power grid.To accomplish this,a hybrid combination of incremental conductance(IncCond)and particle swarm optimization(PSO)is proposed to locate maximum power,followed by model predictive control(MPC)to track maximum power and control the boost converter to achieve high performance regardless of parameter variations.A two-level inverter,likewise,controlled by Model Predictive Control,is employed to inject the PV power generated.In this application,the MPC is based on minimizing the difference between the reference and prediction powers,which is computed to select the switching state of the inverter.The proposed system is simulated and evaluated in a variety of dynamic conditions using Matlab/Simulink.Results reveal that the proposed control mechanism is effective at tracking the maximum power point(MPP)with fewer power oscillations.

NbB_(2)Modified Al-Cu Alloys Fabricated by Freeze-Ablation Casting under High Cooling Rate Solidification

At present,improving the properties of aluminum alloys is generally achieved by increasing the cooling rate of the melt and adding micro-nano particles.Controlling the cooling rate of the melt to improve the refining effect of grain refiner is still a difficult problem in the aluminum alloy casting industry.An innovative and environmentally friendly casting process,known as freeze ablation,was introduced during the preparation of an Al–NbB_(2) intermediate alloy.This process significantly enhanced the cooling rate of the melt.The results indicated that the Al–NbB_(2) intermediate alloy produced under high cooling rates had a noticeable refining effect on Al–Cu alloys,with smaller NbB2 particles demonstrating superior refining performance.The average grain size of the refined Al–Cu alloy decreased from 154 to 69μm,the tensile strength increased by 12%,the fluidity increased by 18.4%,and the hot tearing index decreased from 144 to 12.The matching degree between NbB_(2) andα-Al was calculated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and the edge-to-edge model.It was found that the atomic interplanar spacing and the interatomic spacing mismatch between NbB_(2)’s<1120>plane and Al were both less than 10%,which further proved that NbB2 could serve as an effective nucleation site forα-Al grains to achieve grain refinement.

Air pollution and its control in China

The rapid growth of China’s economy has led to severe air pollution characterized by acid rain,severe pollu-tion in cities,and regional air pollution.High concentrations are found for various pollutants such as sulfur dioxides(SO2),nitrogen oxides(NOx),and fine particulates.Great efforts have thus been undertaken for the control of air pollution in the country.This paper discusses the development and application of appropriate technologies for reducing the major pollutants produced by coal and vehicles,and investi-gates air quality modeling as an important support for policy-making.

Landmarks in the application of electrical tomography in particle science and technology

Selected milestones in the development and use of electrical tomography in powder conveying, slurry processing and multi-phase flow are highlighted. The ability to map concentration in opaque mixtures under process-realistic conditions was a major innovation for the method and has had far reaching implications. Subsequent developments have enabled velocity information to be abstracted resulting in the ability to measure component flux and motion.

Controlled Cross-linking Strategy for Formation of Hydrogels,Microgels and Nanogels

Hydrogels are a kind of unique cross-linking polymeric materials with three-dimensional networks. Various efforts have been devoted to manipulate the formation of functional hydrogels in situ and enrich the production of hydrogels, microgels and nanogels with improved modulation capacity. However, these methods always fail to tune the gel properties because of the difficulty in achieving the precise control of cross-linking extents once the gel formation is initiated. Therefore, the preparation of tailor-made hydrogels remains a great challenge. Herein, we summarize a controlled cross-linking strategy towards not only fabrication of hydrogels at nano-, micro-and macro-scales, but also achievement of controlled assembly of nanoparticles into multifunctional materials in macroscopic and microscopic scales. The strategy is conducted by controllably activating and terminating the disulfide reshuffling reactions of disulfide-linked core/shell materials with selective core/shell separation using system p H or UV triggers. So it provides a facile approach to producing hydrogels, hydrogel particles and nanoparticle aggregates with tunable structures and properties, opening up the design possibility, flexibility and complexity of hydrogels, microgels/nanogels and nanoparticle aggregates from nanoscopic components to macroscopic objects.

Influence of staff number and internal constellation on surgical site infection in an operating room

Prediction of bacteria-carrying particle （BCP） dispersion and particle distribution released from staffmem- bers in an operating room （OR） is very important for creating and sustaining a safe indoor environment. Postoperative wound infections cause significant morbidity and mortality, and contribute to increased hospitalization time. Increasing the number of personnel within the OR disrupts the ventilation airflow pattern and causes enhanced contamination risk in the area of an open wound. Whether the amount of staffwithin the OR influences the BCP distribution in the surgical zone has rarely been investigated. This study was conducted to explore the influence of the number of personnel in the OR on the airflow field and the BCP distribution. This was performed by applying a numerical calculation to map the airflow field and Lagrangian particle tracking （LPT） for the BCP phase. The results are reported both for active sampling and passive monitoring approaches. Not surprisingly, a growing trend in the BCP concentration （cfu/ms） was observed as the amount of staff in the OR increased. Passive sampling shows unpredictable results due to the sedimentation rate, especially for small particles （5-10 i^m）. Risk factors for surgical site infections （SSls） must be well understood to develop more effective prevention programs.

A fault-tolerant triple-redundant voice coil motor for direct drive valves:Design, optimization, and experiment

A direct drive actuator （DDA） with direct drive valves （DDVs） as the control device is an ideal solution for a flight actuation system. This paper presents a novel triple-redundant voice coil motor （TRVCM） used for redundant DDVs. The TRVCM features electrical/mechanical hybrid triple-redundancy by securing three stators along with three moving coils in the same frame. A permanent magnet （PM） Halbach array is employed in each redundant VCM to simplify the system structure. A back-to-back design between neighborly redundancies is adopted to decouple the magnetic flux linkage. The particle swarm optimization （PSO） method is implemented to optimize design parameters based on the analytical magnetic circuit model. The optimization objective function is defined as the acceleration capacity of the motor to achieve high dynamic performance. The optimal geometric parameters are verified with 3D magnetic field finite element analysis （FEA）. A research prototype has been developed for experimental purpose. The experimental results of magnetic field density and force output show that the proposed TRVCM has great potential of applications in DDA systems.