Adaptive Critic Learning-Based Robust Control of Systems with Uncertain Dynamics

Model uncertainties are usually unavoidable in the control systems, which are caused by imperfect system modeling, disturbances, and nonsmooth dynamics. This paper presents a novel method to address the robust control problem for uncertain systems. The original robust control problem of the uncertain system is first transformed into an optimal control of nominal system via selecting the appropriate cost function. Then, we develop an adaptive critic leaning algorithm to learn online the optimal control solution, where only the critic neural network (NN) is used, and the actor NN widely used in the existing methods is removed. Finally, the feasibility analysis of the control algorithm is given in the paper. Simulation results are given to show the availability of the presented control method.

Loss of Determinacy at Small Scales, with Application to Multiple Timescale and Nonsmooth Dynamics

A singularity is described that creates a forward time loss of determinacy in a two-timescale system, in the limit where the timescale separation is large. We describe how the situation can arise in a dynamical system of two fast variables and three slow variables or parameters, with weakly coupling between the fast variables. A wide set of initial conditions enters the [Formula: see text]-neighborhood of the singularity, and explodes back out of it to fill a large region of phase space, all in finite time. The scenario has particular significance in the application to piecewise-smooth systems, where it arises in the blow up of dynamics at a discontinuity and is followed by abrupt recollapse of solutions to “hide” the loss of determinacy, and yet leave behind a remnant of it in the global dynamics. This constitutes a generalization of a “micro-slip” phenomenon found recently in spring-coupled blocks, whereby coupled oscillators undergo unpredictable stick-slip-stick sequences instigated by a higher codimension form of the singularity. The indeterminacy is localized to brief slips events, but remains evident in the indeterminate sequencing of near-simultaneous slips of multiple blocks.

A General Purpose Formulation for Nonsmooth Dynamics With Finite Rotations: Application to the Woodpecker Toy

The aim of this work is to extend the finite element multibody dynamics approach to problems involving frictional contacts and impacts. The nonsmooth generalized-α (NSGA) scheme is adopted, which imposes bilateral and unilateral constraints both at position and velocity levels avoiding drift phenomena. This scheme can be implemented in a general purpose simulation code with limited modifications of pre-existing elements. The study of the woodpecker toy dynamics sets up a good example to show the capabilities of the NSGA scheme within the context of a general finite element framework. This example has already been studied by many authors who generally adopted a model with a minimal set of coordinates and small rotations. It is shown that good results are obtained using a general purpose finite element code for multibody dynamics, in which the equations of motion are assembled automatically and large rotations are easily taken into account. In addition, comparing results between different models of the woodpecker toy, the importance of modeling large rotations and the horizontal displacement of the woodpecker's sleeve is emphasized.

A Study on the Mechanism of Impact between Curved Bridge Segments Using Nonsmooth Dynamics

It has been observed in many previous earthquakes that impact often occurs between the main girders in curved bridges. An earthquake can result in deck-unseating leading to catastrophic destruction of the structure. In this paper, the nonsmooth multirigid body dynamics method and the set-valued formulation were used to model and analyze the mechanism of impact between the curved bridge segments. The analysis demonstrated that these impacts are the major cause of segment rotation. The main contribution of this paper is to use Newton’s impact law and Coulomb’s friction law to describe the interaction between the curved bridge segments in the form of a set-valued function and to express impacts with friction as a linear complementary problem. For frictionless and frictional contact, the paper considers the single-point and multipoint impacts using the linear complementary formula to detect the unique actual slip-stick conditions of these states. A variety of criteria for distinguishing each case are presented and the results provide the kinetic characteristics of each contact case. The analysis has shown that the impact between the segments of a curved bridge and the tendency of the segments to rotate (and thus detach) are related to the overall geometry, the coefficient of restitution, the coefficient of friction, and the preimpact conditions in the plane of motion. Finally, a theoretical relationship diagram of the impact, rotation slip, and stick condition of the curved bridge segments at the contact point is given. The presented results will be useful for the seismic design of curved bridges.

On the nonsmooth dynamics of towed wheels

In this paper, a nonsmooth model of towed wheels is analysed; this mechanism can be a part of different kind of vehicles. We focus on the transitions between slipping and rolling in the presence of dry friction. The model leads to a three-dimensional dynamical system with a codimension-2 discontinuity. The systems can be analysed by means of the tools of extended Filippov systems. The essence of the calculation is to find the so-called limit directions, which show the possible directions of slipping-rolling transitions and their properties. By this method, four different scenarios are found. The results are compared to those from the creep models.

Nonsmooth Dynamics of a Gear–Wheelset System of Railway Vehicles Under Traction/Braking Conditions

Gear–wheelset system is a crucial substructure in railway vehicles which affects the operation safety and system reliability, especially in the process of traction and braking conditions. Unlike the general gear transmission system, the gear–wheelset system of railway vehicles operates under an environment with several nonsmooth factors; therefore, it is necessary to analyze the nonsmooth dynamics of the gear–wheelset system for understanding dynamic characteristics better. Herein, a planar dynamic model of the gear–wheelset system of railway vehicles considering motor-driving torque, braking torque, wheel–rail nonlinear interaction forces, nonlinear meshing damping, and piecewise continuous time-varying meshing stiffness is proposed. Then, the proposed model is validated by a simpack model using wheelset's longitudinal velocity. Subsequently, two numerical simulations were performed to reveal the nonsmooth dynamic characteristics under traction and braking conditions. The simulation results indicate that the dynamic stationary point exists in nonsmooth dynamics under traction and braking conditions, which is a critical boundary for transiting any state to a dynamic equilibrium. Besides, the results exhibit the inseparable relationship between time-frequency dynamic characteristics, slip velocity, and wheel–rail nonlinear interaction forces. The effects of harmonic torque under traction conditions and compound braking behavior under braking conditions significantly affect these dynamic characteristics. Additionally, sufficient driving torque can increase the proportion of forward contact and improve the smoothness of the rotation, and the intermittent gear contact phenomenon occurs alternately and frequently in the traction condition. Conversely, only reverse contact occurs in the braking condition.

Exploring the Dynamics of Base-Excited Structures Impacting a Rigid Stop

This paper explores the nonlinear dynamics of a multidegree of freedom (MDoF) structure impacting a rigid stop. The contact mechanics is simplified by continuous sigmoid function idealisation of a lossless spring. By introducing a smooth nonlinear formulation, we avoid the computational expense of event-driven, piecewise, nonsmooth dynamics. A large parametric study using high-performance computing is undertaken. The nondimensional equations of motion suggest one primary structural parameter, contact-to-storey stiffness ratio, and two excitation parameters, nondimensional ground amplitude and frequency. Bifurcation plots indicate an extremely rich and complex behaviour, particularly in the cases where at least two-floor degrees of freedom (DoFs) impact the stop and when the contact-to-storey stiffness ratio is large. When considering interstorey drift as a performance measure, period-1 impacting solutions are generally favourable when compared to an analogous nonimpacting case. This paper also discusses whether chaotic impacting can be favourable. Finally, we consider the question of whether higher modes are significantly excited, at a linear resonance, for impacting solutions to this system.