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

提案编号：0638816 PI：Barmish智力MeritThe建议的多学科探索性研究的主要目标是开发系统模型和相关的非线性反馈控制理论，这是特定于新类别的多功能材料。这样的材料通常是具有纳米或微米夹杂物的微结构的各向异性复合材料，所述纳米或微米夹杂物被优化以执行多个任务。在这方面，所提出的探索性研究的主要动机来自以下事实：除了它们传统的承载功能之外，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。这导致了新的控制和优化问题。这项工作的智力价值将是引入一些新的范式问题的系统和控制社区。我们的努力将集中在制定和解决的基本问题，可以作为一个起飞点，为新的研究路线。更广泛的影响至于广泛和长期的影响，拟议的工作，我们设想了几个新的主流研究方向支持我们的主要目标。第一个活动包括新的控制算法，能够实现所需的结果，较少的致动要求。如果这种探索性的研究是成功的，我们设想继续这项工作的重点是设计和优化的材料组成和结构。这一方向将是对碳纳米管基复合材料正在进行的研究的补充。为了实现注重材料的管制的主要目标，主要调查员的专门知识来自两个不同的领域。Barmish教授在鲁棒控制领域做出了重大贡献，Shkel教授在多功能智能材料领域做出了重大贡献。这项研究包括理论和实验两部分。为此，研究人员之间将不断进行互动，包括建模、测试新的控制算法和使用现有设备进行迭代材料设计。在教育方面，该项目为研究生提供了独特的机会，可以向他们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思想。该计划是教授Barmish介绍了一些新的材料科学概念到控制课程和教授Shkel介绍了一些新的控制概念到材料科学课程。

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.