EFFECT OF RISK-SENSITIVE STOCHASTIC OPTIMAL CONTROL WITH TRACKING IN AN EVAPORATOR

This work presents an application of the Risk-Sensitive (R-S) control with tracking applied to a stochastic nonlinear system which models the operation of an electronic expansion valve (EEV) in a conventional evaporator. A novel dynamical stochastic equation represents the mathematical model of the evaporator system. The R-S stochastic optimal problem consists of the design of an optimal control u(t) such that the state reaches setpoint values (SP) and minimizes the exponential quadratic cost function. The presence of disturbances and errors in the sensor measurements is represented by Gauss white noise in the state equation, with the coefficient v(e/(2?^2 )) . One novel characteristic in this proposal is that the coefficient of the control into the state equation contains the state term. The error and exponential quadratic cost function show that the R-S control has a better performance versus the classical PID (Proportional, Integral Derivative) control. Key Words: Optimal Risk-Sensitive control with tracking, modelling of the evaporator.

Mediating Between Contact Feasibility and Robustness of Trajectory Optimization Through Chance Complementarity Constraints

As robots move from the laboratory into the real world, motion planning will need to account for model uncertainty and risk. For robot motions involving intermittent contact, planning for uncertainty in contact is especially important, as failure to successfully make and maintain contact can be catastrophic. Here, we model uncertainty in terrain geometry and friction characteristics, and combine a risk-sensitive objective with chance constraints to provide a trade-off between robustness to uncertainty and constraint satisfaction with an arbitrarily high feasibility guarantee. We evaluate our approach in two simple examples: a push-block system for benchmarking and a single-legged hopper. We demonstrate that chance constraints alone produce trajectories similar to those produced using strict complementarity constraints; however, when equipped with a robust objective, we show the chance constraints can mediate a trade-off between robustness to uncertainty and strict constraint satisfaction. Thus, our study may represent an important step towards reasoning about contact uncertainty in motion planning.

Mapping Earthquake Risk Sensitivity of Land Use Plan at Local Level for Sustainable Risk Sensitive Land Use Planning (RSLUP)

Risk-Sensitive Land Use Planning (RSLUP) is the process of mainstreaming disaster risk management parameters in land use planning. To ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of RSLUP, it is necessary to identify and understand the existing risk sensitivity of the land use plan. This research aims to develop a GIS-based multi-criteria zoning approach for mapping earthquake risk sensitivity of the land use plan of a local level area. For this purpose, Uttara Residential Model Town (URMT) (third phase), Dhaka, Bangladesh has been selected as the study area considering its earthquake risk for exposure to a potential earthquake. The methodology applied in this research is comprised of two steps. Firstly, assessment of the spatial earthquake risk sensitivity of the proposed land use plan of the study area based on the risk themes and corresponding risk attributes including both natural characteristics as well as built environment factors. They are macro-form risks (seismic hazard assessment), risks in urban texture (proximity from primary roads), special risk areas (geomorphic suitability and proximity from waterbody), open space scarcity risk, and risks in critical facilities (potential temporary disaster shelter and health facilities). Secondly, preparation of earthquake risk sensitivity zoning map by overlaying the spatial risk attribute maps based on weights determined through Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). This research brings out the importance and a methodology to assess risk sensitivity of the land use of an area at the local level, which can further foster sustainable RSLUP reflecting the risk sensitivity accordingly and effectively.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MAINSTREAMING: NEXUS BETWEEN POLICY PROCLAMATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

Land-use planning, disasters and development are clearly related. Risk-sensitive development practices and responsible land use planning can contribute to resilience building. At the same time, poorly planned development can intensify social, economic, physical and environmental vulnerabilities of the population and can trigger devastating extreme events. Therefore, the process of disaster risk reduction has to be weaved into the developmental framework and India has given its commitment at national and international forums to ensure the same. However, since there is no specific policy on integrating DRR into development planning in India, this paper discusses the extent to which such integration is seen through one of the major projects- the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) in the planning and approval process, especially in the contexts of environmental vulnerabilities. The study suggests that there are serious gaps between the policy proclamations that seek to ensure sustainable development through DRR integration into development projects and its implementation. Thus, much more work is needed to enforce the idea of mainstreaming DRR in to foster risk aware or risk sensitive development. Data for this qualitative study was obtained from both primary as well as secondary sources.