SGER:Electroactive Materials for Sensing: New Challenges for Control and Optimization

建议书编号：0638816PI：BarmishIntelligence价值拟议的多学科探索性研究的主要目标是开发专门针对新型多功能材料的系统模型和相关的非线性反馈控制理论。这种材料是典型的各向异性复合材料，具有经过优化以执行多种任务的纳米或微夹杂物的微结构。在这方面，建议进行探索性研究的主要动机来自以下事实：除了传统的承载功能外，它们还表现出电活性或磁活性行为；例如，它们的机械性能可以通过施加电场或磁场来控制。这导致了一类新的控制和优化问题。这项工作的智力价值将是将一些新的范式问题引入系统和控制社区。我们的努力将集中在基本问题的制定和解决上，这些问题可以作为新的研究路线的起点。广泛影响考虑到拟议工作的广泛和长期影响，我们设想了几个新的主流研究方向，以支持我们的主要目标。第一个活动包括新的控制算法，能够在较少的驱动要求下实现理想的结果。如果这项探索性研究成功，我们预计这项工作将继续进行，重点是材料成分和结构的设计和优化。这一方向将与正在进行的碳纳米管复合材料研究相辅相成。为了实现以物质为导向的控制的主要目标，主要调查人员的专门知识来自两个不同的领域。Barmish教授在稳健控制领域做出了重大贡献，Shkel教授在多功能智能材料方面做出了重大贡献。建议的研究包括理论和实验两个部分。为此，调查人员之间将不断进行互动，包括建模、测试新的控制算法以及使用现有设备进行迭代材料设计。在教育方面，这个项目提供了独特的机会，向研究生介绍一些跨越电气和机械工程以及材料科学的新的跨学科想法。该计划是由Barmish教授将多个新的材料科学概念引入控制课程，并由Shkel教授将多个新的控制概念引入材料科学课程。

Proposal Number: 0638816PI: BarmishIntellectual MeritThe major objective of the proposed multi-disciplinary exploratory research is to develop system models and the associated nonlinear feedback control theory which is specific to new classes of Multi-Functional Materials. Such materials are typically anisotropic composites having microstructure of nano or micro inclusions optimized to perform multiple tasks. In this regard, the primary motivation for the proposed exploratory research is derived from the following fact: In addition to their traditional load-carrying function, they also exhibit electro-active or magneto-active behavior; e.g., their mechanical properties can be controlled via application of an electric or magnetic field. This leads to new classes of control and optimization problems. The intellectual merit of this work will be to introduce some new paradigm problems into the systems and control community. Our efforts will concentrate on the formulation and solution of fundamental problems which can be used as a takeoff point for new lines of research.Broader ImpactWith regard to broad and long term impact of the proposed work, we envision several new mainstream research directions supporting our main objectives. The first activity includes new control algorithms capable achieve desirable results with lesser actuation requirements. Should this exploratory research be successful, we envision a continuation of this work which focuses on design and optimization of materials composition and structure. This direction would be complimentary to ongoing research in carbon nano-tube based composites. To address the major objectives in material-oriented control, the expertise of the principal investigators is drawn from two distinct areas. Professor Barmish has made significant contributions to the robust control area and Professor Shkel has made significant contributions in multi-functional smart materials. The proposed research has both theoretical and experimental components. To this end, there will be constant interaction between the investigators involving modelling, testing of new control algorithms and iterative material design using equipment which is already available. Education-wise, this project suggests unique opportunities to introduce graduate students to a number of new inter-disciplinary ideas spanning electrical and mechanical engineering and material science. The plan is for Professor Barmish to introduce a number of new material science concepts into control courses and for Professor Shkel to introduce a number of new control concepts into material science courses.