Complex wavelets and shift invariance

Recently we have developed a new form of discrete wavelet transform, which generates complex coefficients by using a dual tree of wavelet filters to obtain their real and imaginary parts. This introduces limited redundancy (2 m:1 for m-dimensional signals) and allows the transform to provide approximate shift invariance and directionally selective filters (properties lacking in the traditional wavelet transform) while preserving the usual properties of perfect reconstruction and computational efficiency with good well-balanced frequency responses. In this paper we analyse why the new transform can be designed to be shift invariant, and describe how to estimate the accuracy of this approximation and design suitable filters to achieve this.

Model based learning of sigma points in unscented Kalman filtering

The unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is a widely used method in control and time series applications. The UKF suffers from arbitrary parameters necessary for sigma point placement, potentially causing it to perform poorly in nonlinear problems. We show how to treat sigma point placement in a UKF as a learning problem in a model based view. We demonstrate that learning to place the sigma points correctly from data can make sigma point collapse much less likely. Learning can result in a significant increase in predictive performance over default settings of the parameters in the UKF and other filters designed to avoid the problems of the UKF, such as the GP-ADF. At the same time, we maintain a lower computational complexity than the other methods. We call our method UKF-L. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Effects of nonuniform reactant stoichiometry on thermoacoustic instability in a lean-premixed gas turbine combustor

Detailed experimental investigations of the amplitude dependence of flame describing functions (FDF) were performed using a stratified swirl-stabilized combustor, in order to understand the combustion-acoustic interactions of CH4/air flames propagating into nonhomogeneous reactant stoichiometry. Phase-synchronized OH planar laser induced fluorescence (OH PLIF) measurements were used to investigate local reaction zone structures of forced flames. To determine the amplitude-and frequency-dependent forced flame response, simultaneous measurements of inlet velocity and heat release rate oscillations were made using a constant temperature anemometer and photomultiplier tubes with narrow-band OH*/CH* interference filters. The measurements were made over a wide range of stratification ratios, including inner stream enrichment ( θ o>θ i) and outer stream enrichment ( θ o>θ i)) conditions, and compared to the baseline condition of spatially and temporally homogeneous cases ( θ o=θ i)). Results show that for the inlet conditions investigated, fuel stratification has a significant influence on local and global flame structures of unforced and forced flames. Under stratified conditions, length scales of local contours were found to be much larger than the homogeneous case due to high kinematic viscosities associated with high temperature. Stratification has a remarkable effect on flame-vortex interactions when the flame is subjected to high-amplitude acoustic forcing, leading to different evolution patterns of FDF (amplitude and disturbance convective time) in response to the amplitude of the imposed inlet velocity oscillation. The present experimental investigation reveals that intentional stratification has the potential to eliminate or suppress the occurrence of detrimental combustion instability problems in lean-premixed gas turbine combustion systems. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Thermal plasma synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by injecting ferrocene vapor and oxygen into an argon/helium DC thermal plasma. Size distributions of particles in the reactor exhaust were measured online using an aerosol extraction probe interfaced to a scanning mobility particle sizer, and particles were collected on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids and glass fiber filters for off-line characterization. The morphology, chemical and phase composition of the nanoparticles were characterized using TEM and X-ray diffraction, and the magnetic properties of the particles were analyzed with a vibrating sample magnetometer and a magnetic property measurement system. Aerosol at the reactor exhaust consisted of both single nanocrystals and small agglomerates, with a modal mobility diameter of 8-9 nm. Powder synthesized with optimum oxygen flow rate consisted primarily of magnetite (Fe 3O 4), and had a room-temperature saturation magnetization of 40.15 emu/g, with a coercivity and remanence of 26 Oe and 1.5 emu/g, respectively. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011.

Robust filtering and smoothing with gaussian processes

We propose a principled algorithm for robust Bayesian filtering and smoothing in nonlinear stochastic dynamic systems when both the transition function and the measurement function are described by non-parametric Gaussian process (GP) models. GPs are gaining increasing importance in signal processing, machine learning, robotics, and control for representing unknown system functions by posterior probability distributions. This modern way of system identification is more robust than finding point estimates of a parametric function representation. Our principled filtering/smoothing approach for GP dynamic systems is based on analytic moment matching in the context of the forward-backward algorithm. Our numerical evaluations demonstrate the robustness of the proposed approach in situations where other state-of-the-art Gaussian filters and smoothers can fail. © 2011 IEEE.

Effects of nonuniform reactant stoichiometry on combustion instability

This paper analyzes the forced response of swirl-stabilized lean-premixed flames to acoustic forcing in a laboratory-scale stratified burner. The double-swirler, double-channel annular burner was specially designed to generate acoustic velocity oscillations and radial fuel stratification at the inlet of the combustion chamber. Temporal oscillations of equivalence ratio along the axial direction are dissipated over a long distance, and therefore the effects of time-varying fuel/air ratio on the flame response are not considered. Simultaneous measurements of inlet velocity and heat release rate oscillations were made using a hot wire anemometer and photomultiplier tubes with narrowband OH*/CH* interference filters. Time-averaged CH* chemiluminescence intensities were measured using an intensified CCD camera. Results show that flame stabilization mechanisms vary depending on stratification ratio for a constant global equivalence ratio. For a uniformly premixed condition, an enveloped M-shaped flame is observed. For stratified conditions, however, a dihedral V-flame and a detached flame are developed for outer stream and inner stream fuel enrichment cases, respectively. Flame transfer function (FTF) measurement results indicate that a V-shaped flame tends to damp incident flow oscillations, while a detached flame acts as a strong amplifier relative to the uniformly premixed condition. The phase difference of FTF increases in the presence of stratification. More importantly, the dynamic characteristics obtained from the forced stratified flame measurements are well correlated with unsteady flame behavior under limit-cycle pressure oscillations. The results presented in this paper provide insight into the impact of nonuniform reactant stoichiometry on combustion instabilities, which has not been well explored to date. Copyright © 2011 by ASME.

A neuro-inspired method for data rate limited feedback control

The nervous system implements a networked control system in which the plants take the form of limbs, the controller is the brain, and neurons form the communication channels. Unlike standard networked control architectures, there is no periodic sampling, and the fundamental units of communication contain little numerical information. This paper describes a novel communication channel, modeled after spiking neurons, in which the transmitter integrates an input signal and sends out a spike when the integral reaches a threshold value. The reciever then filters the sequence of spikes to approximately reconstruct the input signal. It is shown that for appropriate choices of channel parameters, stable feedback control over these spiking channels is possible. Furthermore, good tracking performance can be achieved. The data rate of the channel increases linearly with the size of the inputs. Thus, when placed in a feedback loop, small loop gains imply a low data rate. ©2010 IEEE.

Carbon nanotubes: Present and future commercial applications

Worldwide commercial interest in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is reflected in a production capacity that presently exceeds several thousand tons per year. Currently, bulk CNT powders are incorporated in diverse commercial products ranging from rechargeable batteries, automotive parts, and sporting goods to boat hulls and water filters. Advances in CNT synthesis, purification, and chemical modification are enabling integration of CNTs in thin-film electronics and large-area coatings. Although not yet providing compelling mechanical strength or electrical or thermal conductivities for many applications, CNT yarns and sheets already have promising performance for applications including supercapacitors, actuators, and lightweight electromagnetic shields.

Simultaneous reduction of particulate matter and NOx emissions using 4-way catalyzed filtration systems

The next generation of diesel emission control devices includes 4-way catalyzed filtration systems (4WCFS) consisting of both NOx and diesel particulate matter (DPM) control. A methodology was developed to simultaneously evaluate the NOx and DPM control performance of miniature 4WCFS made from acicular mullite, an advanced ceramic material (ACM), that were challenged with diesel exhaust. The impact of catalyst loading and substrate porosity on catalytic performance of the NOx trap was evaluated. Simultaneously with NOx measurements, the real-time solid particle filtration performance of catalyst-coated standard and high porosity filters was determined for steady-state and regenerative conditions. The use of high porosity ACM 4-way catalyzed filtration systems reduced NOx by 99% and solid and total particulate matter by 95% when averaged over 10 regeneration cycles. A "regeneration cycle" refers to an oxidizing ("lean") exhaust condition followed by a reducing ("rich") exhaust condition resulting in NOx storage and NOx reduction (i.e., trap "regeneration"), respectively. Standard porosity ACM 4-way catalyzed filtration systems reduced NOx by 60-75% and exhibited 99.9% filtration efficiency. The rich/lean cycling used to regenerate the filter had almost no impact on solid particle filtration efficiency but impacted NOx control. Cycling resulted in the formation of very low concentrations of semivolatile nucleation mode particles for some 4WCFS formulations. Overall, 4WCFS show promise for significantly reducing diesel emissions into the atmosphere in a single control device. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Dynamic Covariance Models for Multivariate Financial Time Series

The accurate prediction of time-changing covariances is an important problem in the modeling of multivariate financial data. However, some of the most popular models suffer from a) overfitting problems and multiple local optima, b) failure to capture shifts in market conditions and c) large computational costs. To address these problems we introduce a novel dynamic model for time-changing covariances. Over-fitting and local optima are avoided by following a Bayesian approach instead of computing point estimates. Changes in market conditions are captured by assuming a diffusion process in parameter values, and finally computationally efficient and scalable inference is performed using particle filters. Experiments with financial data show excellent performance of the proposed method with respect to current standard models.

Detailed design of242mAm breeding in pressurized water reactors

There is growing interest in the use of 242mAm as a nuclear fuel. Because of its very high thermal fission cross section and its large number of neutrons released per fission, it can be used for various unique applications, such as space propulsion, medical applications, and compact energy sources. Since the thermal absorption cross section of 242mAm is very high, the best way to obtain 242mAm is by the capture of fast or epithermal neutrons in 241Am. However, fast spectrum reactors are not readily available. In this paper, we explore the possibility of producing 242mAm in existing pressurized water reactors (PWRs) with minimal interference in reactor performance. As suggested in previous studies on the subject, the 242mAm breeding targets are shielded with strong thermal absorbers in order to suppress the thermal neutron flux that causes 242mAm destruction. Since 242mAm enrichment within the Am target mainly depends on the neutron energy distribution, which in turn depends on the Am target thickness and on the neutron filter cutoff energy (thermal absorber type), this unique Am target design was developed. In our study, Cd, Sm, and Gd were considered as thermal neutron filters, as suggested by Cesana et al. The most favorable results were obtained by irradiating Am targets covered either with Gd or Cd. In these cases, up to 8.65% enrichment of 242mAm is obtained after 4.5 yr (three successive PWR fuel cycles) of irradiation. It was also found that significant quantities [up to 1.3 kg/GW (electric)-yr] of 242mAm can be obtained in PWR reactors without notable interference with reactor performance. However, in order to maintain the original fuel cycle length, the enrichment of the driver (UO2) fuel must be increased by ∼1%, raised from the conventional 4.5 to 5.5%, depending on the thermal neutron filter used. The most important reactivity feedback coefficients for fuel assemblies containing the 242mAm breeding targets were evaluated and found to be close to those of a standard PWR. Another product of neutron capture in the 241Am reaction is 238Pu. It was found that in a typical 1000 MW (electric) PWR core with one-third of the fuel assemblies containing 241Am targets, up to 15.1 kg of 238Pu enriched to 80% can be produced per year.

Chemical nano-gardens: growth of salt nanowires from supramolecular self-assembly gels.

In this article, we examine the phenomenon of single-crystal halide salt wire growth at the surface of porous materials. We report the use of a single-step casting technique with a supramolecular self-assembly gel matrix that upon drying leads to the growth of single-crystal halide (e.g., NaCl, KCl, and KI) nanowires with diameters ~130-200 nm. We demonstrate their formation using electron microscopy and electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, showing that the supramolecular gel stabilizes the growth of these wires by facilitating a diffusion-driven base growth mechanism. Critically, we show that standard non-supramolecular gels are unable to facilitate nanowire growth. We further show that these nanowires can be grown by seeding, forming nanocrystal gardens. This study helps understand the possible prefunctionalization of membranes to stimulate ion-specific filters or salt efflorescence suppressors, while also providing a novel route to nanomaterial growth.

IGBT converters conducted EMI analysis by controlled multiple-slope switching waveform approximation

IGBTs realise high-performance power converters. Unfortunately, with fast switching of the IGBT-free wheel diode chopper cell, such circuits are intrinsic sources of high-level EMI. Therefore, costly EMI filters or shielding are normally needed on the load and supply side. In order to design these EMI suppression components, designers need to predict the EMI level with reasonable accuracy for a given structure and operating mode. Simplifying the transient IGBT switching current and voltage into a multiple slope switching waveform approximation offers a feasible way to estimate conducted EMI with some accuracy. This method is dependent on the availability of high-fidelity measurements. Also, that multiple slope approximation needs careful and time-costly IGBT parameters optimisation process to approach the real switching waveform. In this paper, Active Voltage Control Gate Drive(AVC GD) is employed to shape IGBT switching into several defined slopes. As a result, Conducted EMI prediction by multiple slope switching approximation could be more accurate, less costly but more friendly for implementation. © 2013 IEEE.

Instantaneous frequency and bandwidth estimation using filterbank arrays

Accurate estimation of the instantaneous frequency of speech resonances is a hard problem mainly due to phase discontinuities in the speech signal associated with excitation instants. We review a variety of approaches for enhanced frequency and bandwidth estimation in the time-domain and propose a new cognitively motivated approach using filterbank arrays. We show that by filtering speech resonances using filters of different center frequency, bandwidth and shape, the ambiguity in instantaneous frequency estimation associated with amplitude envelope minima and phase discontinuities can be significantly reduced. The novel estimators are shown to perform well on synthetic speech signals with frequency and bandwidth micro-modulations (i.e., modulations within a pitch period), as well as on real speech signals. Filterbank arrays, when applied to frequency and bandwidth modulation index estimation, are shown to reduce the estimation error variance by 85% and 70% respectively. © 2013 IEEE.

Shaping pulse transitions by active voltage control for reduced EMI generation

High-performance power switching devices (IGBT/MOSFET) realise high-performance power converters. Unfortunately, with a high switching speed of the IGBT or MOSFET freewheel diode chopper cell, the circuit has intrinsic sources of high-level EMI. Therefore, costly EMI filters or shielding are normally demanded on the load and supply side. Although an S-shaped voltage transient with a high order of derivation eliminates the discontinuity and could suppress HF spectrum of EMI emissions, a practical control scheme is still under development. In this paper, Active Voltage Control (AVC) is applied to successfully define IGBT switching dynamics with a smoothed Gaussian waveform so a reduced EMI can be achieved without extra EMI suppression devices. © 2013 IEEE.