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At least 109 records · Page 6

Optimization of Operations Resources via Discrete Event Simulation Modeling

The resource levels required for operation and support of reusable launch vehicles are typically defined through discrete event simulation modeling. Minimizing these resources constitutes an optimization problem involving discrete variables and simulation. Conventional approaches to solve such optimization problems involving integer valued decision variables are the pattern search and statistical methods. However, in a simulation environment that is characterized by search spaces of unknown topology and stochastic measures, these optimization approaches often prove inadequate. In this paper, we have explored the applicability of genetic algorithms to the simulation domain. Genetic algorithms provide a robust search strategy that does not require continuity and differentiability of the problem domain. The genetic algorithm successfully minimized the operation and support activities for a space vehicle, through a discrete event simulation model. The practical issues associated with simulation optimization, such as stochastic variables and constraints, were also taken into consideration.

Joshi, B.

Discrete-time entropy formulation of optimal and adaptive control problems

The discrete-time version of the entropy formulation of optimal control of problems developed by G. N. Saridis (1988) is discussed. Given a dynamical system, the uncertainty in the selection of the control is characterized by the probability distribution (density) function which maximizes the total entropy. The equivalence between the optimal control problem and the optimal entropy problem is established, and the total entropy is decomposed into a term associated with the certainty equivalent control law, the entropy of estimation, and the so-called equivocation of the active transmission of information from the controller to the estimator. This provides a useful framework for studying the certainty equivalent and adaptive control laws.

Tsai, Yweting A.

Investigation of a Smooth Local Correlation-based Transition Model in a Discrete-Adjoint Aerodynamic Shape Optimization Algorithm

A smooth local correlation-based transition model is fully coupled to a RANS-based Newton-Krylov flow solver and discrete-adjoint gradient-based optimization algorithm. The free-transition optimization framework is evaluated using lift-constrained drag minimizations of airfoils at design conditions ranging from light to single-aisle aircraft and an infinite swept wing at design conditions representative of a transonic strut-braced wing aircraft. The impact of the streamwise grid resolution on the ability of the optimization algorithm to delay boundary-layer transition is investigated, with the results demonstrating that streamwise grid resolution requirements increase as the transition length decreases with increasing Reynolds number. The optimization problem at the light aircraft design conditions is demonstrated to be multi-modal, with the optimization algorithm producing two distinct designs: one with a thin, reflexed trailing edge and steep pressure recovery regions, the other with increased aft loading, with the latter design outperforming the former. A drag minimization of an airfoil at transonic design conditions demonstrates that the optimization algorithm successfully trades a decrease in viscous drag by delaying boundary-layer transition with an increase in wave drag, while the drag minimization of an infinite swept wing demonstrates the capability of the optimizational gorithm to delay both Tollmien-Schlichting and stationary crossflow instabilities.

AATT

Comparison of a discrete steepest ascent method with the continuous steepest ascent method for optimal programing

A discrete steepest ascent method which allows controls which are not piecewise constant (for example, it allows all continuous piecewise linear controls) was derived for the solution of optimal programming problems. This method is based on the continuous steepest ascent method of Bryson and Denham and new concepts introduced by Kelley and Denham in their development of compatible adjoints for taking into account the effects of numerical integration. The method is a generalization of the algorithm suggested by Canon, Cullum, and Polak with the details of the gradient computation given. The discrete method was compared with the continuous method for an aerodynamics problem for which an analytic solution is given by Pontryagin's maximum principle, and numerical results are presented. The discrete method converges more rapidly than the continuous method at first, but then for some undetermined reason, loses its exponential convergence rate. A comparsion was also made for the algorithm of Canon, Cullum, and Polak using piecewise constant controls. This algorithm is very competitive with the continuous algorithm.

Childs, A. G.

Genetic-evolution-based optimization methods for engineering design

This paper presents the applicability of a biological model, based on genetic evolution, for engineering design optimization. Algorithms embodying the ideas of reproduction, crossover, and mutation are developed and applied to solve different types of structural optimization problems. Both continuous and discrete variable optimization problems are solved. A two-bay truss for maximum fundamental frequency is considered to demonstrate the continuous variable case. The selection of locations of actuators in an actively controlled structure, for minimum energy dissipation, is considered to illustrate the discrete variable case.

Rao, S. S.

Discrete versus continuous: Enhancing battery optimization in capacity expansion models

This study compares two battery modeling approaches for capacity expansion models: discrete-duration and continuous-duration formulations. In the discrete approach, battery duration is fixed, and power capacity is optimized. In the continuous approach, both power and energy capacities are decision variables, allowing storage duration to be optimized endogenously. Although both discrete-duration and continuous-duration battery formulations are used in long-term power system planning models, the literature has provided limited direct, systematic comparisons of their implications within a common modeling framework. To address this gap, this study implements both approaches in the Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS TM ) capacity expansion model using two resource adequacy methods, across a range of future system conditions, and with varying battery cost projections. Results show continuous-duration and high-resolution discrete approaches produce similar capacity expansion outcomes. The continuous formulation achieves faster runtimes compared to discrete-duration runs with many discrete-duration options. However, the discrete-duration approach allows users to choose to have limited fidelity for storage duration options, which in some cases can outperform the continuous formulation. The continuous formulation has the lowest overall system costs, indicating its ability to fine-tune storage duration to better meet specific system needs. This study's findings provide a side-by-side evaluation of discrete and continuous battery modeling approaches and offer guidance for improving the representation of real-world systems, flexibility, and computational efficiency for representing energy storage in long-term power system planning models.

25 ENERGY STORAGE

Discrete-time Markovian-jump linear quadratic optimal control

This paper is concerned with the optimal control of discrete-time linear systems that possess randomly jumping parameters described by finite-state Markov processes. For problems having quadratic costs and perfect observations, the optimal control laws and expected costs-to-go can be precomputed from a set of coupled Riccati-like matrix difference equations. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of optimal constant control laws which stabilize the controlled system as the time horizon becomes infinite, with finite optimal expected cost.

Chizeck, H. J.

Approximation of discrete-time LQG compensators for distributed systems with boundary input and unbounded measurement

The approximation of optimal discrete-time linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) compensators for distributed parameter control systems with boundary input and unbounded measurement is considered. The approach applies to a wide range of problems that can be formulated in a state space on which both the discrete-time input and output operators are continuous. Approximating compensators are obtained via application of the LQG theory and associated approximation results for infinite dimensional discrete-time control systems with bounded input and output. Numerical results for spline and modal based approximation schemes used to compute optimal compensators for a one dimensional heat equation with either Neumann or Dirichlet boundary control and pointwise measurement of temperature are presented and discussed.

Gibson, J. S.

Approximation of discrete-time LQG compensators for distributed systems with boundary input and unbounded measurement

The approximation of optimal discrete-time linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) compensators for distributed parameter control systems with boundary input and unbounded measurement is considered. The approach applies to a wide range of problems that can be formulated in a state space on which both the discrete-time input and output operators are continuous. Approximating compensators are obtained via application of the LQG theory and associated approximation results for infinite dimensional discrete-time control systems with bounded input and output. Numerical results for spline and modal based approximation schemes used to compute optimal compensators for a one-dimensional heat equation with either Neumann or Dirichlet boundary control and pointwise measurement of temperature are presented and discussed.

Gibson, J. S.

Computational issues in optimal tuning and placement of passive dampers

The effectiveness of viscous elements in introducing damping in a structure is a function of several variables including their number, their location in the structure, and their physical properties. In this paper, the optimal damper placement and tuning problem is posed to optimize these variables. Both discrete and continuous optimization problems are formulated and solved corresponding, respectively, to the problems of placement of passive elements and to the tuning of their parameters. The paper particularly emphasizes the critical computational issues resulting from the optimization formulations. Numerical results involving a lightly damped testbed structure are presented.

Chu, C. C.

Optimizations on Designing High-Resolution Finite-Difference Schemes

We describe a general optimization procedure for both maximizing the resolution characteristics of existing finite differencing schemes as well as designing finite difference schemes that will meet the error tolerance requirements of numerical solutions. The procedure is based on an optimization process. This is a generalization of the compact scheme introduced by Lele in which the resolution is improved for single, one-dimensional spatial derivative, whereas in the present approach the complete scheme, after spatial and temporal discretizations, is optimized on a range of parameters of the scheme and the governing equations. The approach is to linearize and Fourier analyze the discretized equations to check the resolving power of the scheme for various wave number ranges in the solution and optimize the resolution to satisfy the requirements of the problem. This represents a constrained nonlinear optimization problem which can be solved to obtain the nodal weights of discretization. An objective function is defined in the parametric space of wave numbers, Courant number, Mach number and other quantities of interest. Typical criterion for defining the objective function include the maximization of the resolution of high wave numbers for acoustic and electromagnetic wave propagations and turbulence calculations. The procedure is being tested on off-design conditions of non-uniform mesh, non-periodic boundary conditions, and non-constant wave speeds for scalar and system of equations. This includes the solution of wave equations and Euler equations using a conventional scheme with and without optimization and the design of an optimum scheme for the specified error tolerance.

Liu, Yen

Statistical analysis of static shape control in space structures

The article addresses the problem of efficient analysis of the statistics of initial and corrected shape distortions in space structures. Two approaches for improving efficiency are considered. One is an adjoint technique for calculating distortion shapes: the second is a modal expansion of distortion shapes in terms of pseudo-vibration modes. The two techniques are applied to the problem of optimizing actuator locations on a 55 m radiometer antenna. The adjoint analysis technique is used with a discrete-variable optimization method. The modal approximation technique is coupled with a standard conjugate-gradient continuous optimization method. The agreement between the two sets of results is good, validating both the approximate analysis and optimality of the results.

Burdisso, Ricardo A.

Sequential design of discrete linear quadratic regulators via optimal root-locus techniques

A sequential method employing classical root-locus techniques has been developed in order to determine the quadratic weighting matrices and discrete linear quadratic regulators of multivariable control systems. At each recursive step, an intermediate unity rank state-weighting matrix that contains some invariant eigenvectors of that open-loop matrix is assigned, and an intermediate characteristic equation of the closed-loop system containing the invariant eigenvalues is created.

Shieh, Leang S.

Minimum-weight design of laminated composite plates for postbuckling performance

Minimum-weight design of simply-supported, symmetrically laminated, thin, rectangular, specially orthotropic laminated plates for buckling and postbuckling strength is investigated. The postbuckling analysis is based on an Marguerre-type energy method. The failure load of laminates is calculated by the maximum strain failure criterion based on the in-plane strains. Design variables are individual layer thicknesses with specified fiber orientations. Optimization with discrete valued design is achieved by introducing additional penalty terms to the regular pseudoobjective function of sequential unconstrained minimization technique. The proposed optimization technique is applied to the design of rectangular laminates with various aspect ratios loaded by axial compressive loads.

Shin, Dong KU