NSF Young Investigator

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The overall theme of this NSF Young Investigator Award research program is the utilization of mathematical tools for nonlinear analysis and computational tools for optimization in the synthesis of advanced controllers for chemical process control. Dr. Doyle's principal research interests are in four categories: (1) Nonlinear Process Control, Optimization, and Identification -He plans to look at an efficient fusion of off-line and on-line techniques and identification (from data) of nonlinear plant models to be used for controller design. Initially theoretical issues of nonlinear control synthesis, performance analysis, and nonlinear optimization will be addressed, followed by work aimed at dealing with unmeasured disturbances and unmodeled dynamics. (2) Computational Modeling of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems - Control algorithms based on large order nonlinear models tend to be quite accurate at the expense of the complex nonlinear program which has to be solved for the optimal control action. The PI plans to develop accurate, low order nonlinear process models for industrial process operations which are to be validated against physical data. An example is the use of wave propagation models he has used to develop control algorithms for packed bed reactors and distillation columns. (3) Waste Management and Detection - Two areas of concern are waste water treatment and the control of harmful atmospheric emissions from combustion processes. The key elements of these problems are the lack of primary measurements and extremely nonlinear behavior. The PI plans to address these problems using nonlinear inferential control. (4) Biological Regulation - Homeostasis is the coordinated actions which maintain the steady states in a living body and is similar to the control mechanisms used for a complex chemical factory. The PI plans to study the underlying paradigm of physiological regulation for use in developing improved medical treatments to assist the natural regulatory and defense mechanisms of the body.