This paper presents the design of digital controller for longitudinal aircraft model based on the Dynamic Contraction Method. The control task is formulated as a tracking problem of velocity and flight path angle, where decoupled output transients are accomplished in spite of incomplete information about varying parameters of the system and external disturbances. The design of digital controller based on the pseudo-continuous approach is presented, where the digital controller is the result of continuous-time controller discretization. A resulting output feedback controller has a simple form of a combination of low-order linear dynamical systems and a matrix whose entries depend nonlinearly on certain known process variables. Simulation results for an aircraft model confirm theoretical expectations.

The performance of the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems can be improved by spatial modulation. By using spatial modulation, the transmitter can select the best transmit antenna based on the channel variations using channel state information (CSI). Also, the modulation helps the transmitter to select the best modulation level such that the system has the best performance in all situations. Hence, in this paper, two issues are considered including spatial modulation and information modulation selection. For the spatial modulation, an optimal solution for obtaining the probability of selecting antenna is calculated and then Huffman coding is used such that the transmitter can select the best transmit antenna to maximize the channel capacity. For the information modulation, a multi quadrature amplitude modulation (MQAM) strategy is used. In this modulation, the modulation size is changed based on the channel state variations; therefore, the best modu- lation index is used for transmitting data in all channel situations. In simulation results, the optimal method is compared with Huffman mapping. In addition, the effect of modulation on channel capacity and a bit error rate (BER) is shown.

Embedded software and dedicated hardware are vital elements of the modern world, from personal electronics to transportation, from communication to aerospace, from military to gaming, from medical systems to banking. Combinations of even minor hardware or software defects in a complex system may lead to violation of safety with or even without evident system failure. a major problem that the computing profession faces is the lack of a universal approach to unite the dissimilar viewpoints presented by computer science, with its discrete and mathematical underpinnings, and by computer engineering, which focuses on building real systems and considering spatial and material constraints of space, energy, and time. Modern embedded systems include both viewpoints: microprocessors running software and programmable electronic hardware created with an extensive use of software. The gap between science and engineering approaches is clearly visible in engineering education. This survey paper focuses on exploring the commonalities between building software and building hardware in an attempt to establish a new framework for rejuvenating computing education, specifically software engineering for dependable systems. We present here a perspective on software/hardware relationship, aviation system certification, role of software engineering education, and future directions in computing.

The objective of this study is to investigate the change in partition coefficient with a change in the concentration of the solute in a liquid system consisting of two relatively immiscible solvents. To investigate the changes in the partition coefficients, the data of the partition coefficients at infinite dilution and the ternary Liquid-Liquid Equilibrium (LLE) data at finite concentrations of the solute should be consistent. In this study, 29 ternary systems that are found in literature and for which the partition coefficients at infinite dilution and the ternary LLE data cannot be predicted accurately by the universal quasi-chemical (UNIQUAC) model are identified. On the basis of this model, some consistent and inconsistent ternary systems are introduced. Three inconsistent systems, namely hexane-butanol-water, CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride)-PA (propanoic acid)-water, and hexane-PA-water, are chosen for detailed analysis in this study. The UNIQUAC activity coefficient model is used to represent these data over a range of concentrations. The results show large errors, exhibiting the inability of this model to correlate the data. Furthermore, some ternary systems in which cross behavior of solutes between two phases observed are identified.

Straw-fired batch boilers, due to their relatively simple structure and low operating costs, are an excellent source of heat for a wide range of applications. A concept prototype of a cogeneration system with a straw-fired batch boiler was developed. The basic assumptions were based on the principles of the Rankine Cycle and the Organic Rankine Cycle systems with certain design modifications. Using the prototype design of a system that collects high-temperature heat from the boiler, studies were performed. The studies involved an analysis of the flue gas temperature distribution in the area of the oil exchanger, a comparison of the instantaneous power of the boiler’s water and oil circuits for different modes of operation, as well as an analysis of the flue gas. In the proposed system configuration where the electricity production supplements heat generation, the power in the oil circuit may be maintained at a constant level of approx. 20-30 kW. This is possible provided that an automatic fuel supply system is applied. Assuming that the efficiency of the electricity generation system is not less than 10%, it will be possible to generate 2-3 kW of electricity. This value will be sufficient, for an on-site operation of the boiler.

In the paper finite-dimensional time-variable dynamical control systems described by linear stochastic ordinary differential state equations with single time-variable point delay in the control are considered. Using notations, theorems and methods taken directly from deterministic controllability problems necessary and sufficient conditions for different kinds of stochastic relative controllability in a given time interval are formulated and proved. It will be proved that under suitable assumptions relative controllability of a deterministic linear associated dynamical system is equivalent to stochastic relative exact controllability and stochastic relative approximate controllability of the original linear stochastic dynamical system. Some remarks and comments on the existing results for stochastic controllability of linear dynamical systems are also presented.

This study provides a systematic review of the existing academic literature describing the

key components of eMaintenance. The current literature is reviewed by utilizing a number of

academic databases including Scopus, SpringerLink and ScienceDirect, and Google Search is

used to find relevant academic and peer-reviewed journal articles concerning eMaintenance.

The literature describes eMaintenance as an advanced maintenance strategy that takes advantage

of the Internet, information and communication technologies, wireless technologies

and cloud computing. eMaintenance systems are used to provide real time analyses based

on real time data to offer a number of solutions and to define maintenance tasks. The collection

and analysis of appropriate maintenance and process data are critical to create robust

‘maintenance intelligence’ and finally improvements in manufacturing costs, safety, environmental

impact, and equipment reliability. This paper describes how the scientific discussion

on eMaintenance has expanded significantly during the last decade, creating a need for an

up-to-date review. As a conclusion, three research gaps in the area of eMaintenance are

identified, including evaluating the benefits of eMaintenance, agreeing on a

Redundant constraints in MBS models severely deteriorate the computational performance and accuracy of any numerical MBS dynamics simulation method. Classically this problem has been addressed by means of numerical decompositions of the constraint Jacobian within numerical integration steps. Such decompositions are computationally expensive. In this paper an elimination method is discussed that only requires a single numerical decomposition within the model preprocessing step rather than during the time integration. It is based on the determination of motion spaces making use of Lie group concepts. The method is able to reduce the set of loop constraints for a large class of technical systems. In any case it always retains a sufficient number of constraints. It is derived for single kinematic loops.

This work presents an application possibility of sorption refrigerators driven by low temperature fluid for air conditioning of buildings. Thermodynamic models were formulated and absorption LiBr-water chiller with 10 kW cooling power as well as adsorption chiller with silica gel bed were investigated. Both of them are using water for desorption process with temperature Tdes = 80 °C. Coefficient of performance (COP) for both cooling cycles was analyzed in the same conditions of the driving heat source, cooling water Tc = 25 °C and temperature in evaporator Tevap = 5 °C. In this study, the computer software EES was used to investigate the performance of absorption heat pump system and its behaviour in configuration with geothermal heat source.

The study presented here is related with one of the components of a hybrid decision support system called CAPCAST (Computer Aided Process - CAST), developed under a research project at the Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology. This is a module for rule generation to serve the knowledge base operating in an expert system. The scope of the system operation involves the selection of technological parameters for the manufacture of machine parts from ductile iron. However, it can be extended to include other materials and technologies.

The main focus of the paper is on the asymptotic behaviour of linear discrete-time positive systems. Emphasis is on highlighting the relationship between asymptotic stability and the structure of the system, and to expose the relationship between null-controllability and asymptotic stability. Results are presented for both time-invariant and time-variant systems.

Modern control and measurement systems are equipped with interfaces to operate in local area networks and are typically intended to perform complicated data processing and control algorithms. The authors propose a digital system for rapid prototyping of target application devices. The concept solution separates the processing and control section from the hardware interface and user interface section. Both sections constitute independent ARM-based controllers interconnected via a direct USB link. Popular libraries can be used and low-level procedures developed, which enhances the system’s economic viability. A test unit developed for the purpose of the study was built around a SoC ARM7 microsystem and an off-the-shelf palmtop device. It demonstrated a continuous data stream transfer capability up to 150 kB per second, which was sufficient to monitor the performance of an electricity line.

In the present paper .nite-dimensional, stationary dynamical control systems described by semilinear ordinary di.erential state equations with multiple point delays in control are considered. In.nite-dimensional semilinear stationary dynamical control systems with single point delay in the control are also discussed. Using a generalized open mapping theorem, su.cient conditions for constrained local relative controllability are formulated and proved. It is generally assumed, that the values of admissible controls are in a convex and closed cone with vertex at zero. Some remarks and comments on the existing results for controllability of nonlinear dynamical systems are also presented.

In the present paper finite-dimensional dynamical control systems described by semilinear ordinary differential state equations with multiple point delays in control are considered. It is generally assumed, that the values of admissible controls are in a convex and closed cone with vertex at zero. Using so-called generalized open mapping theorem, sufficient conditions for constrained local relative controllability near the origin are formulated and proved. Roughly speaking, it will be proved that under suitable assumptions constrained global relative controllability of a linear associated approximated dynamical system implies constrained local relative controllability near the origin of the original semilinear dynamical system. This is generalization to the constrained controllability case some previous results concerning controllability of linear dynamical systems with multiple point delays in the control and with unconstrained controls. Moreover, necessary and sufficient conditions for constrained global relative controllability of an associated linear dynamical system with multiple point delays in control are discussed. Simple numerical example, which illustrates theoretical considerations is also given. Finally, some remarks and comments on the existing results for controllability of nonlinear dynamical systems are also presented.

In the present paper, we investigate a multi-server Erlang queueing system with heterogeneous servers, non-homogeneous customers and limited memory space. The arriving customers appear according to a stationary Poisson process and are additionally characterized by some random volume. The service time of the customer depends on his volume and the joint distribution function of the customer volume and his service time can be different for different servers. The total customers volume is limited by some constant value. For the analyzed model, steady-state distribution of number of customers present in the system and loss probability are calculated. An analysis of some special cases and some numerical examples are attached as well.

The category of small towns is progressively polarized under the impact of metropolitan development. There is a growing diversification of such places with regard to functions performed and the overall position in settlement systems at regional and national levels. Aside from the division line which separates these towns that are located within, from those situated beyond the commuting range of large urban centres, this is increasingly related to local, territorial capital held. In general, however, the flattening of urban hierarchy and the decreasing importance of hierarchical linkages affect in particular the role of local service centres, especially in sparsely settled peripheral areas. Concerning the future, three alternative development paths are discussed in the article against the relevant conceptual background. These refer to the cyclical nature of urbanization processes, assume an extrapolation of trends observed or, alternatively, consider a containment of metropolization phenomena. With respect to policy related questions, changes in small town networks in peri-urban zones are identified as a specific, sensitive issue.

The paper analyzes a new concept of integration of combined cycle with the installation of supplementary firing. The whole system was enclosed by thermodynamic analysis, which consists of a gas-steam unit with triple-pressure heat recovery steam generator. The system uses a determined model of the gas turbine and the assumptions relating to the construction features of steam-water part were made. The proposed conception involves building of supplementary firing installation only on part of the exhaust stream leaving the gas turbine. In the proposed solution superheater was divided into two sections, one of which was located on the exhaust gases leaving the installation of supplementary firing. The paper presents the results of the analyses of which the main aim was to demonstrate the superiority of the new thermodynamic concept of the supplementary firing over the classical one. For this purpose a model of a system was built, in which it was possible to carry out simulations of the gradual transition from a classically understood supplementary firing to the supplementary firing completely modified. For building of a model the GateCycle™ software was used.