Active Braking Control Design for Road Vehicles focuses on two main brake system technologies: hydraulically-activated brakes with on-off dynamics and electromechanical brakes, tailored to brake-by-wire control. The physical differences of such actuators enjoin the use of different control schemes so as to be able fully to exploit their characteristics. The authors show how these different control approaches are complementary, each having specific peculiarities in terms of either performance or of the structural properties of the closed-loop system. They also consider other problems related to the design of braking control systems, namely: * longitudinal vehicle speed estimation and its relationship with braking control system design; * tire-road friction estimation; * direct estimation of tire-road contact forces via in-tire sensors, providing a treatment of active vehicle braking control from a wider perspective linked to both advanced academic research and industrial reality.

Composite structures are most efficient in performance and production cost when combined with smart materials making them adaptable to changing operational conditions. The specific production processes of composites offer the possibility to integrate more functions thus making the structure more valuable. Active functions can be realized by smart materials, e.g. morphing, active vibration control, active structure acoustic control or structure health monitoring. The foundation is a sound understanding of materials, design methods, design principles, production technologies and adaptronics. Along the complete process chain this disciplines together deliver advanced lightweight solutions for applications ranging from mechanical engineering to vehicles, airframe and finally space structures. This book provides the scientific foundations as well as inspiring new ideas for engineers working in the field of composite lightweight structures.

Vortex flow is one of the fundamental types of fluid and gas motion. These flows are the most spectacular in the form of concentrated vortices, characterized by the localization of vorticity (curl of velocity) in bounded regions of a space, beyond which the vorticity is either absent or rapidly falls down to zero. Concentrated vortices are often observed in nature, exemplified by atmospheric cyclones, whirlwinds and tornados, oceanic vortices, whirlpools on a water s- face, and ring vortices caused by explosive outburst of volcanoes. In technical - vices concentrated vortices form when flow separates from sharp edges of flying vehicles and ships. Among these are vortices flowing off the ends of airplane wings, and intentionally generated vortices for intensification of burning in c- bustion chambers, vortices in cyclonic devices used for mixing or separation of impurities in fluids and gases. One such remarkable and frequent type of conc- trated vortices is a vortex ring which constitutes a vortex tube closed into a t- oidal ring moving in a surrounding fluid like an isolated body out of contact with solid boundaries of the flow region if such boundaries exist. Formation and motion of vortex rings are important part of the dynamics of a continuum medium and have been studied for more than a century.

This book explores non-extensive statistical mechanics in non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and presents an overview of the strong nonlinearity of chaos and complexity in natural systems, drawing on relevant mathematics from topology, measure-theory, inverse and ill-posed problems, set-valued analysis, and nonlinear functional analysis. It offers a self-contained theory of complexity and complex systems as the steady state of non-equilibrium systems, denoting a homeostatic dynamic equilibrium between stabilizing order and destabilizing disorder.

This book serves as a textbook for advanced courses as it introduces state-of-the-art information and the latest research results on diverse problems in the structural wind engineering field. The topics include wind climates, design wind speed estimation, bluff body aerodynamics and applications, wind-induced building responses, wind, gust factor approach, wind loads on components and cladding, debris impacts, wind loading codes and standards, computational tools and computational fluid dynamics techniques, habitability to building vibrations, damping in buildings, and suppression of wind-induced vibrations. Graduate students and expert engineers will find the book especially interesting and relevant to their research and work.

The EUCOMES08, Second European Conference on Mechanism Science is the second event of a series that has been started in 2006 as a conference activity for an European community working in Mechanism Science. The ?rst event was held in Obergurgl, Austria in 2006. This year EUCOMES08 Conference has come to Cassino in Italy taking place from 17 to 20 September 2008. TheaimoftheEUCOMESConference istobringtogetherEuropean researchers, industry professionals and students from the broad ranges of disciplines referring to Mechanism Science, in an intimate, collegial and stimulating environment. In this second event we have received an increased attention to the initiative, as canbeseenbythefactthattheEUCOMES08Proceedingswillcontaincontributions by authors even from all around the world. This means also that there is a really interest to have not only a conference frame but even a need of aggregation for an European Community well identi?ed in Mechanism Science with the aim to strengthen common views and collaboration activities among European researchers and institutions. I believe that a reader will take advantage of the papers in these Proceedings with further satisfaction and motivation for her or his work. These papers cover the wide ?eld of the Mechanism Science. The program of EUCOMES08 Conference has included technical sessions with oral presentations, which, together with informal conversations during the social program, have enabled to offer wide opportunities to share experiences and discuss scienti?c achievements and current trends in the areas encompassed by the EUCOMES08 conference.

Decentralized Control and Filtering provides a rigorous framework for examining the analysis, stability and control of large-scale systems, addressing the difficulties that arise because dimensionality, information structure constraints, parametric uncertainty and time-delays. This monograph serves three purposes: it reviews past methods and results from a contemporary perspective; it examines presents trends and approaches and to provide future possibilities; and it investigates robust, reliable and/or resilient decentralized design methods based on a framework of linear matrix inequalities. As well as providing an overview of large-scale systems theories from the past several decades, the author presents key modern concepts and efficient computational methods. Representative numerical examples, end-of-chapter problems, and typical system applications are included, and theoretical developments and practical applications of large-scale dynamical systems are discussed in depth.

With many areas of science reaching across their boundaries and becoming more and more interdisciplinary, students and researchers in these fields are confronted with techniques and tools not covered by their particular education. Especially in the life- and neurosciences quantitative models based on nonlinear dynamics and complex systems are becoming as frequently implemented as traditional statistical analysis. Unfamiliarity with the terminology and rigorous mathematics may discourage many scientists to adopt these methods for their own work, even though such reluctance in most cases is not justified. This book bridges this gap by introducing the procedures and methods used for analyzing nonlinear dynamical systems. In Part I, the concepts of fixed points, phase space, stability and transitions, among others, are discussed in great detail and implemented on the basis of example elementary systems. Part II is devoted to specific, non-trivial applications: coordination of human limb movement (Haken-Kelso-Bunz model), self-organization and pattern formation in complex systems (Synergetics), and models of dynamical properties of neurons (Hodgkin-Huxley, Fitzhugh-Nagumo and Hindmarsh-Rose). Part III may serve as a refresher and companion of some mathematical basics that have been forgotten or were not covered in basic math courses. Finally, the appendix contains an explicit derivation and basic numerical methods together with some programming examples as well as solutions to the exercises provided at the end of certain chapters. Throughout this book all derivations are as detailed and explicit as possible, and everybody with some knowledge of calculus should be able to extract meaningful guidance follow and apply the methods of nonlinear dynamics to their own work. "This book is a masterful treatment, one might even say a gift, to the interdisciplinary scientist of the future." "With the authoritative voice of a genuine practitioner, Fuchs is a master teacher of how to handle complex dynamical systems." "What I find beautiful in this book is its clarity, the clear definition of terms, every step explained simply and systematically." (J.A.Scott Kelso, excerpts from the foreword)

Due to strong potential applications and more demanding requirements imposed upon long and thick cylindrical structures, there has been increasing research and development activities during recent years in the field of vibration and passive vibration control of these types of structures. An important step in the study of cylindrical structures is the determination of their vibration modal characteristics. This modal information plays a key role in the design and vibration suppression of these structures when subjected to dynamic excitations. Most reported studies on the dynamic response of cylindrical structures have been restricted to the application of the shell theories. These theories are based on a number of simplifying assumptions. The most important of which is, the considered shell must be relatively thin to assume constant stresses within the cylinder. Therefore, due to this limitation, shell theories are inadequate to accurately describe all possible vibration modes in thick cylindrical structures. The primary scope of this book is to address these problems by applying the theory of elasto-dynamics.

Dynamic Failure of Materials and Structures discusses the topic of dynamic loadings and their effect on material and structural failure. Since dynamic loading problems are very difficult as compared to their static counterpart, very little information is currently available about dynamic behavior of materials and structures. Topics covered include the response of both metallic as well as polymeric composite materials to blast loading and shock loadings, impact loadings and failure of novel materials under more controlled dynamic loads. These include response of soft materials that are important in practical use but have very limited information available on their dynamic response. Dynamic fragmentation, which has re-emerged in recent years has also been included. Both experimental as well as numerical aspects of material and structural response to dynamic loads are discussed. Written by several key experts in the field, Dynamic Failure of Materials and Structures will appeal to graduate students and researchers studying dynamic loadings within mechanical and civil engineering, as well as in physics and materials science.

Noise is ubiquitous in nature and in man-made systems. Noise in oscillators perturbs high-technology devices such as time standards or digital communication systems. The understanding of its algebraic structure is thus of vital importance. The book addresses both the measurement methods and the understanding of quantum, 1/f and phase noise in systems such as electronic amplifiers, oscillators and receivers, trapped ions, cosmic ray showers and in commercial applications. A strong link between 1/f noise and number theory is emphasized. The twenty papers in the book are comprehensive versions of talks presented at a school in Chapelle des Bois (Jura, France) held from April 6 to 10, 1999, by engineers, physisicts and mathematicians.

This book focuses treatable This class on exactly many' body problems. does not include most We are therefore reminded "of physical problems. the of the man home late at after an alcoholic who, story returning night the for his under he was a knew, evening, scanning ground key lamppost; be that he had it somewhere but under the to sure, dropped else, only Yet was there to conduct a searcW' . light lamppost enough proper we feel the interest for such models is nowadays sufficiently widespread because of their their mathematical relevance and their multi beauty, farious that need be made for no our apologies applicative potential choice. In whoever undertakes to read this book will know from any case, its title what she is in for! Yet this title a of it some may require explanations: gloss (including its extended inside front follows. version, see cover) and nonrelativistic "Classical" we mean nonquantal (although By consider the which indeed some are Ruijsenaars Schneider models, treated in this relativistic versions as known, nonre book, of, previously lativistic is focussed see our on models; below): presentation mainly of whose time evolution is determined many body point particles systems Newtonian of motion to by equations (acceleration proportional force).

The International Conference on the Theory of Machines and Mechanisms is organized every four years, under the auspices of the International Federation for the Promotion of Mechanism and Machine Science (IFToMM) and the Czech Society for Mechanics. This eleventh edition of the conference took place at the Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic, 4-6 September 2012. This volume offers an international selection of the most important new results and developments, in 73 papers, grouped in seven different parts, representing a well-balanced overview, and spanning the general theory of machines and mechanisms, through analysis and synthesis of planar and spatial mechanisms, dynamics of machines and mechanisms, linkages and cams, computational mechanics, rotor dynamics, biomechanics, mechatronics, vibration and noise in machines, optimization of mechanisms and machines, control and monitoring systems of machines, accuracy and reliability of machines and mechanisms, robots and manipulators to the mechanisms of textile machines.

"Machining dynamics: Frequency response to improved productivity" will train engineers and students in the practical application of machining dynamics, with a particular focus on milling. The book is arranged such that the steps required to improve machining productivity through chatter avoidance and reduced surface location error (forced vibrations resulting in part geometric errors) are clearly evident. The following topics are covered in detail: modal analysis, including experimental methods, to obtain the tool point frequency response function; descriptions of turning and milling, including force modeling, time domain simulation, stability lobe diagram algorithms, and surface location error calculation for milling; and receptance coupling methods for tool point frequency response prediction, including beam theory. Numerical examples are included, as well as the MATLAB code used to develop the figures.

Chaos and nonlinear dynamics initially developed as a new emergent field with its foundation in physics and applied mathematics. The highly generic, interdisciplinary quality of the insights gained in the last few decades has spawned myriad applications in almost all branches of science and technology-and even well beyond. Wherever the quantitative modeling and analysis of complex, nonlinear phenomena are required, chaos theory and its methods can play a key role. This second volume concentrates on reviewing further relevant, contemporary applications of chaotic nonlinear systems as they apply to the various cutting-edge branches of engineering. This encompasses, but is not limited to, topics such as the spread of epidemics; electronic circuits; chaos control in mechanical devices; secure communication; and digital watermarking. Featuring contributions from active and leading research groups, this collection is ideal both as a reference work and as a 'recipe book' full of tried and tested, successful engineering applications.

Since the 1970's, an increasing amount of specialized research has focused on the problems created by instability of internal flow in hydroelectric power plants. However, progress in this field is hampered by the inter disciplinary nature of the subject, between fluid mechanics, structural mechanics and hydraulic transients. Flow-induced Pulsation and Vibration in Hydroelectric Machinery provides a compact guidebook explaining the many different underlying physical mechanisms and their possible effects. Typical phenomena are described to assist in the proper diagnosis of problems and various key strategies for solution are compared and considered with support from practical experience and real-life examples. The link between state-of the-art CFD computation and notorious practical problems is discussed and quantitative data is provided on normal levels of vibration and pulsation so realistic limits can be set for future projects. Current projects are also addressed as the possibilities and limitations of reduced-scale model tests for prediction of prototype performance are explained. Engineers and project planners struggling with the practical problems will find Flow-induced Pulsation and Vibration in Hydroelectric Machinery to be a comprehensive and convenient reference covering key topics and ideas across a range of relevant disciplines.

Humans have always been fascinated with the concept of artificial life and the construction of machines that look and behave like people. As the field of robotics evolves, it demands continuous development of successful systems with high-performance characteristics for practical applications. Advanced Mechanics in Robotic Systems illustrates original and ambitious mechanical designs and techniques for developing new robot prototypes with successful mechanical operational skills. Case studies are focused on projects in mechatronics that have high growth expectations: humanoid robots, robotics hands, mobile robots, parallel manipulators, and human-centred robots. A good control strategy requires good mechanical design, so a chapter has also been devoted to the description of suitable methods for control architecture design. Readers of Advanced Mechanics in Robotic Systems will discover novel designs for relevant applications in robotic fields, that will be of particular interest to academic and industry-based researchers.

Topics in Modal Analysis I, Volume 5. Proceedings of the 30th IMAC, A Conference and Exposition on Structural Dynamics, 2012, the fifth volume of six from the Conference, brings together 53 contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on fundamental and applied aspects of Structural Dynamics, including papers on: Modal Parameter Identification Damping of Materials and Members New Methods Structural Health Monitoring Processing Modal Data Operational Modal Analysis Damping Excitation Methods Active Control Damage Detection for Civil Structures System Identification: Applications

Topics in Modal Analysis II, Volume 6: Proceedings of the 30th IMAC, A Conference and Exposition on Structural Dynamics, 2012, is the sixth volume of six from the Conference and brings together 65 contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on fundamental and applied aspects of Structural Dynamics, including papers on: Aerospace, Acoustics, Energy Harvesting, Shock and Vibration, Finite Element, Structural Health Monitoring, Biodynamics Experimental Techniques, Damage Detection, Rotating Machinery, Sports Equipment Dynamics, Aircraft/Aerospace.

This fourth issue on "progress in turbulence" is based on the fourth ITI conference (ITI interdisciplinary turbulence initiative), which took place in Bertinoro, North Italy. Leading researchers from the engineering and physical sciences presented latest results in turbulence research. Basic as well as applied research is driven by the rather notorious difficult and essentially unsolved problem of turbulence. In this collection of contributions clear progress can be seen in different aspects, ranging from new quality of numerical simulations to new concepts of experimental investigations and new theoretical developments. The importance of turbulence is shown for a wide range of applications including: combustion, energy, flow control, urban flows, are few examples found in this volume. A motivation was to bring fundamentals of turbulence in connection with renewable energy. This lead us to add a special topic relevant to the impact of turbulence on the wind energy conversion. The structure of the present book is as such that contributions have been bundled according to covering topics i.e. I Basic Turbulence Aspects, II Particle Laden Flows, III Modeling and Simulations, IV, Experimental Methods, V Special Flows, VI Atmospheric Boundary Layer, VII Boundary Layer, VIII Wind Energy and IX Convection. This book is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Tim Nickels. Shortly after giving an invited lecture at the 4th ITI conference, the turbulence community lost a world-class scientist, a friend and devoted family man.

This book is of interest to researchers inquiring about modern topics and methods in the kinematics, control and design of robotic manipulators. It considers the full range of robotic systems, including serial, parallel and cable driven manipulators, both planar and spatial. The systems range from being less than fully mobile to kinematically redundant to overconstrained. In addition to recognized areas, this book also presents recent advances in emerging areas such as the design and control of humanoids and humanoid subsystems, and the analysis, modeling and simulation of human body motions, as well as the mobility analysis of protein molecules and the development of machines which incorporate man.

"Topics in Experimental Dynamics Substructuring and Wind Turbine Dynamics, Volume 2, Proceedings of the 30th IMAC, A Conference and Exposition on Structural Dynamics, 2012, "the second volume of six from the Conference, brings together 31 contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on fundamental and applied aspects of Structural Dynamics."

The articles of this book were reported and discussed at the fifth international symposium on Advances in Robot Kinematics. As is known, the first symposium of this series was organised in 1988 in Ljubljana. The following meetings took place every other year in Austria, Italy, and Slovenia (Linz, Ferrara, Ljubljana, Portoroz Bernardin). It must be emphasised that the symposia run under the patronage of the International Federation for the Theory of Machinesand Mechanisms, IFToMM. In this period, Advances in Robot Kinematics has been able to attract the most outstanding authors in the area and also to create an optimum combination of a scientific pragmatism and a friendly atmosphere. Hence, it has managed to survive in a strong competition of many international conferences and meetings. In the most ancient way, robot kinematics is regarded as an application of the kinematics of rigid hodies. However, there are topics and problems that are typical for robot kinematics that cannot easily be found in any other scientific field. It is our belief that the initiative of Advances in Robot Kinematics has contributed to develop a remarkable scientific community. The present book is of interest to researchers, doctoral students and teachers, engineers and mathematicians specialising in kinematics of robots and mechanisms, mathematical modelling, simulation, design, and control of robots."

Real-time model predictive controller (MPC) implementation in active vibration control (AVC) is often rendered difficult by fast sampling speeds and extensive actuator-deformation asymmetry. If the control of lightly damped mechanical structures is assumed, the region of attraction containing the set of allowable initial conditions requires a large prediction horizon, making the already computationally demanding on-line process even more complex. "Model Predictive Vibration Control" provides insight into the predictive control of lightly damped vibrating structures by exploring computationally efficient algorithms which are capable of low frequency vibration control with guaranteed stability and constraint feasibility.

In addition to a theoretical primer on active vibration damping and model predictive control, "Model Predictive Vibration Control" provides a guide through the necessary steps in understanding the founding ideas of predictive control applied in AVC such as:

. the implementation of computationally efficient algorithms

. control strategies in simulation and experiment and

. typical hardware requirements for piezoceramics actuated smart structures.

The use of a simple laboratory model and inclusion of over 170 illustrations provides readers with clear and methodical explanations, making "Model Predictive Vibration Control" the ideal support material for graduates, researchers and industrial practitioners with an interest in efficient predictive control to be utilized in active vibration attenuation. "

Ground Vehicle Dynamics is devoted to the mathematical modelling and dynamical analysis of ground vehicle systems composed of the vehicle body, the guidance and suspension devices and the corresponding guideway. Automobiles on uneven roads and railways on flexible tracks are prominent representatives of ground vehicle systems. All these different kinds of systems are treated in a common way by means of analytical dynamics and control theory. In addition to a detailed modelling of vehicles as multibody systems, the contact theory for rolling wheels and the modelling of guideways by finite element systems as well as stochastic processes are presented. As a particular result of this integrated approach the state equations of the global systems are obtained including the complete interactions between the subsystems considered as independent modules. The fundamentals of vehicle dynamics for longitudinal, lateral and vertical motions and vibrations of automobiles and railways are discussed in detail.