Engineering Commons^™

Reinforcement Learning Based Dual-Control Methodology For Complex Nonlinear Discrete-Time Systems With Application To Spark Engine Egr Operation, Peter Shih, Brian C. Kaul, Jagannathan Sarangapani, J. A. Drallmeier

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel reinforcement-learning-based dual-control methodology adaptive neural network (NN) controller is developed to deliver a desired tracking performance for a class of complex feedback nonlinear discrete-time systems, which consists of a second-order nonlinear discrete-time system in nonstrict feedback form and an affine nonlinear discrete-time system, in the presence of bounded and unknown disturbances. For example, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) operation of a spark ignition (SI) engine is modeled by using such a complex nonlinear discrete-time system. A dual-controller approach is undertaken where primary adaptive critic NN controller is designed for the nonstrict feedback nonlinear discrete-time system whereas the secondary …

Time Synchronized Near-Field And Far-Field For Emi Source Identification, Gang Feng, Wei Wu, David Pommerenke, Jun Fan, Daryl G. Beetner

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The evaluation of a product in terms of radiated emissions involves identifying the noise sources. Spectrum analyzer (SA) measurements alone are unable to identify noise sources when multiple sources are responsible for emissions at a particular frequency. In this paper, an approach using combined near-field and far-field measurements is proposed. This method consists of recording signals from a near field probe and from an antenna in the far-field using a high speed oscilloscope and analyzing the relationship between them via different post processing methods. The noise source can be identified by varying the location of near-field probe and searching for …

Issues On Stability Of Adp Feedback Controllers For Dynamical Systems, S. N. Balakrishnan, Jie Ding, F. L. Lewis

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper traces the development of neural-network (NN)-based feedback controllers that are derived from the principle of adaptive/approximate dynamic programming (ADP) and discusses their closed-loop stability. Different versions of NN structures in the literature, which embed mathematical mappings related to solutions of the ADP-formulated problems called “adaptive critics” or “action-critic” networks, are discussed. Distinction between the two classes of ADP applications is pointed out. Furthermore, papers in “model-free” development and model-based neurocontrollers are reviewed in terms of their contributions to stability issues. Recent literature suggests that work in ADP-based feedback controllers with assured stability is growing in diverse forms.

An Open Framework For Highly Concurrent Real-Time Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Ryan C. Underwood, Bruce M. Mcmillin, Mariesa Crow

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) real-time simulation is becoming a significant tool in prototyping complex, highly available systems. The HIL approach permits testing of hardware prototypes of components that would be extremely costly or difficult to test in the deployed environment. In power system simulation, key issues are the ability to wrap the systems of equations (such as Partial Differential Equations) describing the deployed environment into real-time software models, provide low synchronization overhead between the hardware and software, and reduce reliance on proprietary platforms. This paper introduces an open source HIL simulation framework that can be ported to any standard Unix-like system on …

Monitoring Culvert Load With Shallow Filling Under Geofoam Areas, Charlie Sun, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Geofoam and the “Imperfect Ditch” method can be used effectively on embankment projects to reduce pressures on underground structures when sufficient fill height is available to create an arching effect. When the fill height is too shallow the arching effect cannot be created. However, the pressure acting on the underground structure can still be reduced by making use of the very small unit weight of lightweight geofoam material. In this study, stresses acting on a three-sided culvert were reduced using lightweight geofoam. Initially, the culvert had been designed to carry a 6-foot loading. During construction it was discovered that the …

Steady State Measurements In Stress Plateau Region Of Entangled Polymer Solutions: Controlled-Rate And Controlled-Stress Modes, Sham Ravindranath, Shi-Qing Wang

College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering

Despite decades of efforts, reliable measurements of nonlinear flow behavior of well-entangled polymers in continuous shear have been challenging to obtain. The present work attempts to accomplish three important tasks: (A) overcome this challenge by adopting a strategy of decoupling theological measurements from the outer meniscus region in a cone-partitioned plate (C/PP) setup; (B) determine whether well-entangled solutions indeed undergo a flow transformation under creep that can be taken to phenomenologically define an entanglement-disentanglement transition (EDT); (C) provide the velocity profiles of such solutions undergoing either controlled-stress or controlled-rate shear by carrying out in situ particle-tracking velocimetric (PTV) measurements. Upon …

Preliminary Results With A Targeted Online Java Course, Amber Settle, Will Marrero, Chad Settle

Technical Reports

While the College of Computing and Digital Media has offered online courses for 7 years, courses targeted specifically at online students remain in the minority. In this report, we investigate both student learning and student satisfaction with a targeted online introductory Java course developed by the first co-author. Initial results show that this targeted course has equivalent outcomes with respect to student learning and strongly improved student satisfaction.

Ductile-Regime Machining Of Silicon Carbide And Quartz, Deepak Ravindra

Masters Theses

Silicon carbide (SiC) and quartz are one of the advanced engineered ceramic materials designed to operate in extreme environments. One of the main reasons for the choice of these materials is due to its excellent electrical, mechanical and optical properties that benefit the semiconductor, MEMS and optoelectronic industry respectively. Manufacturing these materials is extremely challenging due to its high hardness, brittle characteristics and poor machinability. Severe fracture can result when trying to machine SiC and quartz due to its low fracture toughness. However, from past and current research efforts, it has been proven that ductile regime machining of brittle materials …

Analysis Of Traffic Crash Data In Kentucky (2003 – 2007), Eric R. Green, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents an analysis of traffic crash data in Kentucky for the years of 2003 through 2007. A primary objective of this study was to determine average crash statistics for Kentucky highways. Average and critical numbers and rates of crashes were calculated for various types of highways in rural and urban areas. These data can be used in Kentucky’s procedure to identify locations that have abnormal rates or numbers of crashes.

The other primary objective of this study was to provide data that can be used in the preparation of the problem identification portion of Kentucky’s Annual Highway Safety …

Materials Characterization And Analysis Of The Marquette Interchange Hma Perpetual Pavement, James Crovetti, Hani Titi, Aaron Coenen, Mohammed Elias, R. Christopher Williams, Xinjun Li

Transportation Research Center: Marquette Interchange Instrumentation

This project focused on the characterization of materials used to construct the Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) perpetual pavement within the Marquette Interchange and on the analysis of collected pavement response data to investigate the interactions between materials, environment, and traffic loadings. While these pavements are designed for a service life in excess of 50 years, to date there is insufficient field data to confirm this performance expectation. To help bridge this knowledge gap, this study included a mechanistic-empirical appraisal of the HMA perpetual pavement to provide predictions of key performance indicators over a fifty year service period. Laboratory testing was …

Evaluation Of Advanced Adhesives For Aerospace Structures, P. Stoyanov, N. Rodriguez, T. Dickinson, D. H. Nguyen, E. Park, J. Foyos, V. Hernandez, J. Ogren, Michael Berg, Omar S. Es-Said

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Works

Polymer adhesives are finding increased use in panel joining applications in aircraft and aerospace structures where the applied stresses permit their use and where a uniform stress distribution is needed. One such adhesive, Hysol EA-9394 (TM), was compared to three other formulations in this study. The new formulations were Hysol EA-9396, Hysol EA-9396 filled with nickel nanofibers and mixed by machine (Jamesbury Blender), and Hysol EA-9396 filled with nickel nanofibers and hand mixed in the laboratory. The comparison consisted of measuring shear lap strengths of aluminum test pieces bonded together with the candidate adhesives. The mechanical tests were supplemented by …

Laboratory Evaluation Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation At A Former Tar Plant Site, Mihika Baruah

All Theses

A former tar plant site in the southeastern
U.S. is one of hundreds across the country that is contaminated with polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The 2007
CERCLA Priority List of Hazardous Substances ranks PAHs as the eighth most
prominent hazardous substance at National Priority List sites. However, benzo(a)pyrene
is the only PAH that is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, with a maximum
contaminant level of 0.2 µg/l. As with most sites, monitored natural
attenuation was the preferred bioremediation approach for this site, assuming
it could be shown that the PAHs were undergoing biodegradation. Field data from the site …

Exploration Of A Carbon Nanotube Anode Gas-Filled Radiation Detector, Landon Pruitt

All Theses

The primary objective of this study was to design, test, and model the electrostatic field in a gas-filled radiation detector constructed with either a carbon nanotube (CNT) or a CNT array as the anode. Tungsten anodes of 500 to 4μm diameters were used to observe the gradual decrease in operating voltage with a decreasing anode diameter and estimate efficiencies of CNT anodes in a coaxial design. An electrostatic model (Maxwell 3D/2D) was used to model the resulting electric field associated with a single CNT in the coaxial configuration as well as to optimize the pitch (distance between individual CNTs in …

The Influence Of Test Parameters On Tem Cell Measurements Of Ics, Vijay Kasturi, Daryl G. Beetner

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The IEC 61967-2 TEM cell standard allows for variations in test parameters which may cause variations in the measured emissions from integrated circuits (ICs). To test the impact of these parameters, two printed circuit boards were designed within the IEC standard using "poor" PCB design strategies and using "good" design strategies. Emissions from three pin-for-pin compatible 8051 microcontrollers were tested. Emissions were measured using both PCBs, changing the PCB configuration, and changing test parameters like the program running on the IC, the rise time of the input clock, and I/O switching. Emissions from the "poor" PCB were about 3-8 dB …

Using Twdp To Quantify Channel Performance With Frequency-Domain S-Parameter Data, Surbhi Mittal, Zhiping Yang, Jun Fan, Francesco De Paulis

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents an approach to quantify channel performance using TWDP (Transmitter Waveform and Dispersion Penalty) with frequency-domain S-parameter data. TWDP is initially defined to characterize the performance of a transmitter in optical links. The same concept has been extended to quantify channel performance as well, especially in high-speed copper links. This paper focuses on channel characterization. Instead of using time-domain oscilloscope measurements as defined in the original approach, a new method is proposed by using the frequency-domain S-parameter data, obtained either from measurements or simulations. A parametric study on TWDP with respect to bit rate, number of samples per …

Advanced Full Wave Esd Generator Model For System Level Coupling Simulation, Qing Cai, Argha Nandy, David Pommerenke, Jong-Sung Lee, Byong-Su Seol, Jayong Koo

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

System level ESD tests can only be performed after hardware is available. Simulating the ESD coupling into a circuit allows at least parametric and quantitative studies of the expected ESD behavior. A complete simulation requires us to model the ESD generator, the passive elements of the DUT and the response of the ICs to injected noise. Having the ultimate objective of combining IC soft error response models with the DUT structure and the ESD generator we report on progresses in modeling the ESD generator and its coupling. The model improves the useful frequency range from a few hundred MHz to …

A Bist Approach For Configurable Nanofabric Arrays, Mandar V. Joshi, Waleed K. Al-Assadi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work proposes a Built-in Self Test (BIST) approach to test crossbars for a defined set of faults. The BIST can classify the different programmable elements in the crossbars as non-defective or defective with a certain fault type. The logic synthesis can then configure the crossbar by avoiding these defective elements.

Closed-Form Expressions For Determining Approximate Pmc Boundaries Around An Aperture In A Metal Cavity Wall, Francesco De Paulis, Yaojiang Zhang, Jun Fan, Jason A. Mix, Xiaopeng Dong, Daniel Hua, Kevin P. Slattery

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Modern electronic systems may use mixed RF/digital technologies to achieve various functionalities, which leads to various intra-system interference problems including the RF interference from noisy digital circuits to sensitive RF receivers, especially when the overall system is contained in a metal enclosure. A fast method based on a cavity formulation can be used to estimate the internal noise coupling mechanisms inside the enclosure. This method assumes that only the TMz0 mode exists inside the enclosure, i.e., the electric field along the z-direction is constant. The cavity formulation fails in the region adjacent to an aperture in an enclosure wall, since …

Comparison Of Adaptive Critic-Based And Classical Wide-Area Controllers For Power Systems, Swakshar Ray, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Balarko Chaudhuri, Rajat Majumder

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An adaptive critic design (ACD)-based damping controller is developed for a thyristor-controlled series capacitor (TCSC) installed in a power system with multiple poorly damped interarea modes. The performance of this ACD computational intelligence-based method is compared with two classical techniques, which are observer-based state-feedback (SF) control and linear matrix inequality $hbox{LMI-H}^{infty}$ robust control. Remote measurements are used as feedback signals to the wide-area damping controller for modulating the compensation of the TCSC. The classical methods use a linearized model of the system whereas the ACD method is purely measurement-based, leading to a nonlinear controller with fixed parameters. A comparative analysis …

The Repeatability Of System Level Esd Test And Relevant Esd Generator Parameters, Jayong Koo, Qing Cai, David Pommerenke, Kai Wang, John Mass, Masayuki Hirata, Andrew Martwick

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Some system level ESD tests do not repeat well if different ESD generators are used. For improving the test repeatability, ESD generator specifications were considered to be changed and a world wide Round Robin test were performed in 2006 to compare the modified and unmodified ESD generators. The test results show the failure level variations up to 1:3 for an EUT among eight different ESD generators. Multiple ESD parameters including discharge currents and transient fields have been measured. This paper tries to find which parameters would predict the failure level the best in general. The transient fields show large variations …

Post-Configuration Testing Of Asynchronous Nanowire Crossbar Architecture, Sriram Venkateswaran, Minsu Choi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An asynchronous nanowire crossbar architecture has been recently proposed to eliminate the clock distribution network from conventional clocked counterpart. The proposed clock-free architecture is envisioned to enhance the manufacturability with simpler periodic structure and to improve the robustness by removing various timing-related failure modes. Even though the proposed clock-free architecture has numerous merits over its clocked counterpart, it is still not free from high defect rates induced by nondeterministic nanoscale assembly. In order to address this issue, our research team has been working on developing test schemes for effective mapping of threshold gates onto programmable gate macro blocks (PGMB). We …

Probes For Diagnosing Emc Problems, Thomas Van Doren

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman Equations And Approximate Dynamic Programming On Time Scales, John E. Seiffertt Iv, Suman Sanyal, Donald C. Wunsch

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The time scales calculus is a key emerging area of mathematics due to its potential use in a wide variety of multidisciplinary applications. We extend this calculus to approximate dynamic programming (ADP). The core backward induction algorithm of dynamic programming is extended from its traditional discrete case to all isolated time scales. Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations, the solution of which is the fundamental problem in the field of dynamic programming, are motivated and proven on time scales. By drawing together the calculus of time scales and the applied area of stochastic control via ADP, we have connected two major fields of research.

Control Of Nonaffine Nonlinear Discrete Time Systems Using Reinforcement-Learning-Based Linearly Parameterized Neural Networks, Qinmin Yang, Jonathan B. Vance, Jagannathan Sarangapani

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A nonaffine discrete-time system represented by the nonlinear autoregressive moving average with eXogenous input (NARMAX) representation with unknown nonlinear system dynamics is considered. An equivalent affinelike representation in terms of the tracking error dynamics is first obtained from the original nonaffine nonlinear discrete-time system so that reinforcement-learning-based near-optimal neural network (NN) controller can be developed. The control scheme consists of two linearly parameterized NNs. One NN is designated as the critic NN, which approximates a predefined long-term cost function, and an action NN is employed to derive a near-optimal control signal for the system to track a desired trajectory while …

Estimation Of The Statistical Variation Of Crosstalk In Wiring Harnesses, Meilin Wu, Daryl G. Beetner, Todd H. Hubing, Haixin Ke, Shishuang Sun

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Analyzing interference problems in vehicle wiring harnesses requires fast and accurate methods of approximating crosstalk. Worst-case approximations using lumped element models are fast and easy to use, but run the risk of overestimating problems. Statistical methods that account for the random variation of wire position help prevent overdesign, but are often difficult and time-consuming to apply and lack a clear link between problems and their cause. Here we investigate the use of simple lumped-element models to predict the statistical variation of crosstalk in wire harness bundles. Models are based on lumped-element approximations, where inductance and capacitance values are calculated for …

Effects Of Calcium-Based Treatment On Organic Soil Behavior, Srujan Rao Chikyala

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

Organic soils are found in many places around the world. Organic soils undergo large secondary settlements depending on the amount of organic matter present in the soil Organic soil is a mixture of finely divided particles of organic matter, in some instances visible fragments of partly decayed vegetable matter and shells are also present in the organic matter. In order to reduce the secondary settlements caused by organic matter, soil is treated with different stabilizing agents. The difficulties associated with organic soils arise when they are treated with cement or lime stabilizers, as organic matter inhibits cementitious reactions responsible for …

Regulation Of Immature Cartilage Growth By Igf-I, Tgf- Β 1, Bmp-7, And Pdgf-Ab: Role Of Metabolic Balance Between Fixed Charge And Collagen Network, Anna Asanbaeva, Koichi Masuda, Eugene J-M.A. Thonar, Stephen M. Klisch, Robert L. Sah

Mechanical Engineering

Cartilage growth may involve alterations in the balance between the swelling tendency of proteoglycans and the restraining function of the collagen network. Growth factors, including IGF-I, TGF-β1, BMP-7, and PDGF-AB, regulate chondrocyte metabolism and, consequently, may regulate cartilage growth. Immature bovine articular cartilage explants from the superficial and middle zones were incubated for 13 days in basal medium or medium supplemented with serum, IGF-I, TGF-β1, BMP-7, or PDGF-AB. Variations in tissue size, accumulation of proteoglycan and collagen, and tensile properties were assessed. The inclusion of serum, IGF-I, or BMP-7 resulted in expansive tissue growth, stimulation of proteoglycan deposition but not …

Development Of A Problem-Based Learning (Pbl) And Cooperative Learning (Cl) Transportation Engineering Course For Undergraduate Students, Deogratias Eustace

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Faculty Publications

This study reports the findings of a project that was done during the implementation of a problem-based learning (PBL) and cooperative learning (CL) elements into an undergraduate transportation engineering course. The study procedure used the student course evaluations, including a survey questionnaire, and university-wide standardized student evaluations. Additionally, student homework, tests, and exam grades were used as part of the evaluation process. Two methods of teaching formats were evaluated: the traditional teaching method of lecturing and using end-of-chapter book questions for homework assignments and the new currently used teaching method of student field data collection, preparation of a lab report …

Oil Recovery Through Deemulsification Research : Separation Of Water From Emulsified Oil, Aaron Russell, Matthew S. Clay, Christopher A. Cox, Jessica E. Nichols, Summer Scott, Sirikarn Surawanvijit

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

In an effort to improve the environment, there is a need to recover and reuse the oil and water components of lubricating emulsions used in copper drawing and rolling processes. The Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc. copper rod mill located in El Paso, TX was chosen as the site location for this project. It is one of the largest rolling and drawing operation facilities in the world, and it meets the established criteria set by Project ORDER. A large facility generates an average of 8,400 gallons of spent lubricant per day. The WERC emulsion sample contains 98 v% water and …

Influence Of Hypoxia, Hypercapnia And Inspiratory Efforts On Sympathoexcitation During Apnea, Vikram Rao

Bioengineering Theses - Archive

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is characterized by frequent periods of apnea resulting in hypoxia, hypercapnia and fluctuations of intrathoracic pressure (inspiratory efforts). Hypoxia, hypercapnia and inspiratory efforts lead to stimulation of peripheral chemoreceptors, central chemoreceptors and baroreceptors, respectively, which in turn influence Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity (MSNA). We hypothesized that hypoxia and hypercapnia result in an elevated MSNA response, while inspiratory efforts result in a reduced MSNA response during apnea. To test the hypothesis, we determined the contributions of hypoxia (at 12% O2), hypercapnia (at 3% CO2) and inspiratory efforts (mueller maneuvers at 20 mmHg) to MSNA (using microneurographic techniques) …