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In this paper, a novel robust design approach is proposed to design the robustness of the nonlinear system under large uncontrollable variation. First, a variable sensitivity approach is proposed to formulate the nonlinear effect into the variable sensitivity matrix. Then, a variable sensitivity-based robust design is developed to minimize the variable sensitivity matrix so that the influence of the uncontrollable variation to the performance will be minimized. Since the proposed robust design considers the influence of the nonlinear term in a large design region, it can effectively improve the robustness of the nonlinear system despite large uncontrollable variation. Simulation examples have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed design method. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4001669] Keywords: robust design, Euclidean norm design, nonlinear system, uncontrollable variation, variable sensitivity

In real-world applications, a nominal model is usually used to approximate the practical system for design and control. This approximation may make the traditional robust design less effective because the model uncertainty still affects the system performance. In this paper, a novel robust design approach is proposed to improve the system robustness to the variations in design variables as well as the model uncertainty. The proposed robust design consists of two separate optimizations. One is to minimize the variation effects of the design variables to the performance based on the nominal model just as what the traditional deterministic robust design methods do. The other is to minimize the effect of the model uncertainty using the matrix perturbation theory. Through solving a multi-objective optimization problem, the proposed design can improve the system robustness to the uncertainty. Simulation examples have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed design method. [DOI: 10.1115/1.3213529] Keywords: robust design, matrix perturbation theory, model uncertainty, multi-objective optimization

A novel integrated approach is developed to design systems for stability and robustness. First, design parameters with large variation bounds are chosen to maintain system stability. Then, a robust eigenvalue design problem is considered to make the dynamic response less sensitive to parameter variations. A new complex sensitivity matrix is derived from the system dynamics with the eigenvalue variation approximated into a first-order model by means of the eigenvector orthogonal theory. Through a proper transformation, the complex eigenvalue sensitivity of the Jacobian matrix can still be processed by the traditional robust design approach. By minimizing the eigenvalue sensitivity, design parameters can be obtained for stability as well as robustness. Furthermore, the tolerance space of the selected parameters can be maximized to improve robust performance. A Laval rotor example is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed robust design method. [DOI: 10.1115/1.3179237] Keywords: robust eigenvalue design, eigenvalue sensitivity, tolerance, stability

A new feedback-linearization-based neural network (NN) adaptive control is proposed for unknown nonaffine nonlinear discrete-time systems. An equivalent model in affine-like form is first derived for the original nonaffine discrete-time systems as feedback linearization methods cannot be implemented for such systems. Then, feedback linearization adaptive control is implemented based on the affine-like equivalent model identified with neural networks. Pretraining is not required and the weights of the neural networks used in adaptive control are directly updated online based on the input-output measurement. The dead-zone technique is used to remove the requirement of persistence excitation during the adaptation. With the proposed neural network adaptive control, stability and performance of the closed-loop system are rigorously established. Illustrated examples are provided to validate the theoretical findings. Index Terms--Feedback linearization, neural networks, nonaffine nonlinear discrete-time systems, nonlinear adaptive control.

This paper presents a Galerkin/neural-network-based guaranteed cost control (GCC) design for a class of parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) systems with unknown nonlinearities. A parabolic PDE system typically involves a spatial differential operator with eigenspectrum that can be partitioned into a finite-dimensional slow one and an infinite-dimensional stable fast complement. Motivated by this, in the proposed control scheme, Galerkin method is initially applied to the PDE system to derive an ordinary differential equation (ODE) system with unknown nonlinearities, which accurately describes the dynamics of the dominant (slow) modes of the PDE system. The resulting nonlinear ODE system is subsequently parameterized by a multilayer neural network (MNN) with one-hidden layer and zero bias terms. Then, based on the neural model and a Lure-type Lyapunov function, a linear modal feedback controller is developed to stabilize the closed-loop PDE system and provide an upper bound for the quadratic cost function associated with the finite-dimensional slow system for all admissible approximation errors of the network. The outcome of the GCC problem is formulated as a linear matrix inequality (LMI) problem. Moreover, by using the existing LMI optimization technique, a suboptimal guaranteed cost controller in the sense of minimizing the cost bound is obtained. Finally, the proposed design method is applied to the control of the temperature profile of a catalytic rod. Index Terms--Distributed parameter systems, Galerkin method, guaranteed cost control (GCC), linear matrix inequality (LMI), neural network, stability.

A probabilistic wavelet system (PWS) is proposed to model the unknown dynamic system with stochastic and incomplete data. When compared with the traditional wavelet system, the PWS uses a novel three-domain wavelet function to make a balance among the probability, time, and frequency domains, which achieves a robust modeling performance with poor data information. The definition, transformation, multiple-resolution analysis, and implementation of the PWS are presented to construct the whole theoretical framework. Simulation studies show that the performance of the proposed PWS is superior to the traditional one in a stochastic and incomplete data environment. Index Terms--Probabilistic wavelet system (PWS), stochastic modeling, uncertainty modeling.

In this paper, we present a stable discrete-time adaptive tracking controller using a neuro-fuzzy (NF) dynamic-inversion for a robotic manipulator with its dynamics approximated by a dynamic T-S fuzzy model. The NF dynamic-inversion constructed by a dynamic NF (DNF) system is used to compensate for the robot inverse dynamics for a better tracking performance. By assigning the dynamics of the DNF system, the dynamic performance of a robot control system can be guaranteed at the initial control stage, which is very important for enhancing system stability and adaptive learning. The discrete-time adaptive control composed of the NF dynamic-inversion and NF variable structure control (NF-VSC) is developed to stabilize the closed-loop system and ensure the high-quality tracking. The NF-VSC enhances the stability of the controlled system and improves the system dynamic performance during the NF learning. The system stability and the convergence of tracking errors are guaranteed by the Lyapunov stability theory, and the learning algorithm for the DNF system is obtained thereby. An example is given to show the viability and effectiveness of the proposed control approach. Index Terms--Adaptive control, dynamic-inversion, neurofuzzy (NF) systems, NF variable structure, robotic manipulators.

By combining Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with an arbitrary switching rule, the mathematical model of a class of switched Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with mixed time-varying delays is established. Moreover, robust stability for such switched Cohen-Grossberg neural networks is analyzed based on a Lyapunov approach and linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique. Simple sufficient conditions are given to guarantee the switched Cohen--Grossberg neural networks to be globally asymptotically stable for all admissible parametric uncertainties. The proposed LMI-based results are computationally efficient as they can be solved numerically using standard commercial software. An example is given to illustrate the usefulness of the results. Index Terms--Cohen-Grossberg neural networks, mixed time-varying delays, robust stability, switched systems, uncertain systems.

By employing the Lyapunov--Krasovskii functional and linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach, the problem of global asymptotical stability is studied for recurrent neural networks with both discrete time-varying delays and distributed time-varying delays. Some sufficient conditions are given for checking the global asymptotical stability of recurrent neural networks with mixed time-varying delay. The proposed LMI result is computationally efficient as it can be solved numerically using standard commercial software. Two examples are given to show the usefulness of the results. Index Terms--Discrete delays, distributed delays, global asymptotical stability, linear matrix inequality (LMI), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), time-varying delays.

An approximate internal model-based neural control (AIMNC) strategy is proposed for unknown nonaffine nonlinear discrete processes under disturbed environment. The proposed control strategy has some clear advantages in respect to existing neural internal model control methods. It can be used for open-loop unstable nonlinear processes or a class of systems with unstable zero dynamics. Based on a novel input-output approximation, the proposed neural control law can be derived directly and implemented straightforward for an unknown process. Only one neural network needs to be trained and control algorithm can be directly obtained from model identification without further training. The stability and robustness of a closed-loop system can be derived analytically. Extensive simulations demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed AIMNC strategy. Index Terms--Input-output approximation, neural networks, nonaffine nonlinear discrete-time systems, nonlinear internal model control, unstable zero dynamics.

This correspondence points out an incorrect statement in Adetona et al., 2000, and Adetona et al., 2004, about the application of the proposed control law to nonminimum phase systems. A counterexample shows the limitations of the control law and, furthermore, its control capability to nonminimum phase systems is explained. Index Terms--Approximate models, neural networks, nonlinear control, nonminimum phase.

Many fuzzy control schemes used in industrial practice today are based on some simplified fuzzy reasoning methods, which are simple but at the expense of losing robustness, missing fuzzy characteristics, and having inconsistent inference. The concept of optimal fuzzy reasoning is introduced in this paper to overcome these shortcomings. The main advantage is that an integration of the optimal fuzzy reasoning with a PID control structure will generate a new type of fuzzy-PID control schemes with inherent optimal-tuning features for both local optimal performance and global tracking robustness. This new fuzzy-PID controller is then analyzed quantitatively and compared with other existing fuzzy-PID control methods. Both analytical and numerical studies clearly show the improved robustness of the new fuzzy-PID controller. Index Terms--Fuzzy control, fuzzy reasoning, optimal fuzzy reasoning, fuzzy-PID controller, robustness.

A novel neural approximate inverse control is proposed for general unknown single-input-single-output (SISO) and multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear discrete dynamical systems. Based on an innovative input/output (I/O) approximation of neural network nonlinear models, the neural inverse control law can be derived directly and its implementation for an unknown process is straightforward. Only a general identification technique is involved in both model development and control design without extra training (online or offline) for the neural nonlinear inverse controller. With less approximation made on controller development, the control will be more robust to large variations in the operating region. The robustness of the stability and the performance of a closed-loop system can be rigorously established even if the nonlinear plant is of not well defined relative degree. Extensive simulations demonstrate the performance of the proposed neural inverse control. Index Terms--Input/output approximation, inverse control, MIMO systems, neural networks (NNs), SISO systems, unknown discrete-time systems.

In this paper, direct and indirect adaptive output-feedback fuzzy decentralized controllers for a class of uncertain large-scale nonlinear systems are developed. The proposed controllers do not need the availability of the state variables. By designing the state observer, the adaptive fuzzy systems, which are used to model the unknown functions, can be constructed using the state estimations, and a new hybrid adaptive fuzzy control methodology is proposed by combining the adaptive fuzzy systems with [H.sup.[infinity]] control and the sliding mode control techniques. Based on Lyapunov stability theorem, the stability of the closed-loop systems can be verified. Moreover, the proposed overall control schemes guarantee that all the signals involved are bounded and achieve the [H.sup.[infinity]]-tracking performance. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods, simulation results are illustrated in this paper. Index Terms--Fuzzy adaptive control, large-scale nonlinear system, observer, stability.

The difficult design of fuzzy logic control (FLC) can be processed in two separate stages: nominal design and optimal adjustment. The nominal design intends to figure out the nominal model of FLC including rule base, membership functions (MF's), and scaling gains. Different parameters require different design methods. A quantitative approach is presented in this paper to design the nominal scaling gain by using the idea of classical adaptive control. This adaptive mechanism requires only an approximate reference model of the plant, but it tolerates much more system uncertainties due to the inherent nonlinear feature of FLC. In reality, a first-order linear model is usually sufficient for achieving a reasonable performance. This approximate model reference based adaptive fuzzy control system is more robust than its classical counterpart in complex environment without deteriorating the original system stability. Therefore, it is an effective method to determine proper scaling gains for FLC.

A new methodology is introduced for designing and tuning the scaling gains of the conventional fuzzy logic controller (FLC) based on its well-tuned linear counterpart. The conventional FLC with a linear rule base is very similar to its linear counterpart. The linear three-term controller has proportional, integral and/or derivative gains. Similarly, the conventional fuzzy three-term controller also has fuzzy proportional, integral and/or derivative gains. The new concept "fuzzy transfer function" is invented to connect these fuzzy gains with the corresponding scaling gains. The comparative gain design is presented by using the gains of the well-tuned linear counterpart as the initial fuzzy gains of the conventional FLC. Furthermore, the relationship between the scaling gains and the performance can be deduced to produce the comparative tuning algorithm, which can tune the scaling gains to their optimum by less trial and error. The performance comparison in the simulation demonstrates the viability of the new methodology.

Conventional fuzzy control can be considered mainly composed of fuzzy two-term control and fuzzy three-term control. In this paper, more systematic analysis and design are given for the conventional fuzzy control. A general robust rule base is proposed for fuzzy two-term control, and leave the optimum tuning to the scaling gains, which greatly reduces the difficulties of design and tuning. The digital implementation of fuzzy control is also presented for avoiding the influence of the sampling time. Based on the results of previous fuzzy two-term controllers, a simplified fuzzy three-term controller is proposed to enhance performance. A two-level tuning strategy is also planned, which first tries to set up the relationship between fuzzy proportional/integral/derivative gain and scaling gains at the high level, and optionally tunes the control resolution at low level. Simulation of different order models show the characteristics of fuzzy control, effectiveness of the new design methodologies, and advantages of the enhanced fuzzy three-term control.

A new methodology is proposed for designing a fuzzy logic controller (FLC). A phase plane is used to bridge the gap between the time-response and rule base. The rule base can be easily built using the general dynamics of the process, and then readily updated to contain the delayed information for reducing the deadtime effects of the process. An adaptive gain method is also proposed to help the data base design and the controller tuning. Much of the FLC design can be shifted to the design and tuning of gain. A good performance can be achieved both in transient state and steady state without use of multi-decision tables. Application of FLC with these new methodologies is presented for a thermal process with a varying deadtime to show the robust performance of FLC and the effectiveness of these methodologies.

Byline: Chenkun Qi, Han-Xiong Li Distributed parameter systems (DPS) are a class of infinite dimensional systems. However implemental control design requires low-order models. This work will focus on developing a low-order model for a class of quasi-linear parabolic distributed parameter system with unknown linear spatial operator, unknown linear boundary condition as well as unknown non-linearity. The Karhunen-Loeve (KL) Empirical Eigenfunctions (EEFs) are used as basis functions in Galerkin's method to reduce the Partial Differential Equation (PDE) system to a nonlinear low-order Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) system. Since the states of the system are not measurable, a recurrent Radial Basis Function (RBF) Neural Network (NN) observer is designed to estimate the states and approximate unknown dynamics simultaneously. Using the estimated states, a hybrid General Regression Neural Network (GRNN) is trained to be a nonlinear offline model, which is suitable for traditional control techniques. The simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of this modeling method.

A new adaptive fuzzy control algorithm is developed in this paper, which has a regular fuzzy controller and a supervisory control term. This control algorithm does not require the system model, but has stability assurance for the closed-loop controlled system. The design is simple, in the sense that both the membership functions and the rule base are simple, yet generic. It can be applied to a large class of robotic and other mechanical systems. Index Terms--Adaptive control, fuzzy control, robotics, variable structure control.