Abstract. Associated with a skew-symmetric linear operator on the spatial domain [a, b] we define a Dirac structure which includes the port variables on the boundary of this spatial domain. This Dirac structure is a subspace of a Hilbert space. Naturally, associated to this Dirac structure is infinite dimensional system. We parameterize the boundary port variables for which the C0-semigroup associated to this system is contractive or unitary. Furthermore, this parameterization is used to split the boundary port variables into inputs and outputs. Similarly, we define a linear port controlled Hamiltonian system associated with the previously defined Dirac structure and a symmetric positive operator defining the energy of the system. We illustrate this theory on the example of the Timoshenko Beam.

We study a class of partial differential equations (with variable coefficients) on a one dimensional spatial domain with control and observation at the boundary. For this class of systems we provide simple tools to check exponential stability. This class is general enough to include models of flexible structures, traveling waves, heat exchangers, and bioreactors among others. The result is based on the use of a generating function (the energy for physical systems) and an inequality condition at the boundary. Furthermore, based on the port Hamiltonian approach, we give a constructive method to reduce this inequality to a simple matrix inequality.Index Terms-Boundary control systems (BCS), partial differential equations (PDEs).

This paper proposes a thermodynamical pseudo Hamiltonian formulation of Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor model in which takes place some chemical reaction. This is done both in the isothermal and non isothermal cases. It is shown that the Gibbs free energy and the opposite of entropy can be chosen as Hamiltonian function respectively. For the non isothermal case, the so called Interconnection and Damping Assignment Passivity Based Control method is applied to stabilize the system at a desired state. For this general reaction scheme, the control problem is shown to be easy to solve as soon as the closed loop Hamiltonian function is chosen to be proportional to the so called thermodynamic availability function. Simulation results based on a simple first order reaction and operating conditions leading to multiple steady states of the CSTR are given to validate the proposed control design procedure.

Abstract.We study a class of hyperbolic partial differential equations on a one dimensional spatial domain with control and observation at the boundary. Using the idea of feedback we show these systems are well-posed in the sense of Weiss and Salamon if and only if the state operator generates a C0-semigroup. Furthermore, we show that the corresponding transfer function is regular, i.e., has a limit for s going to infinity.Mathematics Subject Classification. 93C20, 35L40, 35F15, 37Kxx.

This paper is concerned with multivariable coupled hysteretic systems. The traditional Bouc-Wen monovariable hysteresis model devoted to 1 degree of freedom (DoF) actuated systems is extended to model the hysteresis in systems with multiple DoF, which typify strong cross-couplings. The proposed approach is able to model and to compensate for known hysteresis nonlinearities that affect smart materials. First, after presenting the new multivariable hysteresis Bouc-Wen model, a procedure of identification of its parameters is proposed. Then, we propose a multivariable compensator for the hysteresis. The compensator is based on the combination of the inverse multiplicative structure with the model, which permits to avoid additional calculation of its parameters. Such advantage is essential when the number of DoF is high. All along this paper, the cases of underactuated, overactuated, and fully actuated hysteretic systems are discussed. Finally, the proposed method is used to model and to compensate for the hysteresis in a 3-DoF piezoelectric tube actuator. The experimental results demonstrate its efficiency to linearize the hysteresis in the direct transfers and to minimize the hysteresis of the cross-couplings.Index Terms-Classical Bouc-Wen approach, compensation, inverse multiplicative structure, monovariable and multivariable hysteresis, piezoelectric actuators, smart materials, static or rate-independent hysteresis. 1063-6536

In this paper, the thermodynamic availability function is used as a Lyapunov function for the practical derivation of non linear control laws for the stabilization of a large class of CSTRs far from the equilibrium. The strict convexity of the availability function is guaranteed as long as one of the extensive variables is fixed. In this study, we consider liquid mixture with constant volume, the constraint on the volume being insured by perfect regulation of the outlet flow of the CSTR. Several control laws are then derived which insure global asymptotic stability, exponential stability or simple asymptotic stability. These control laws are discussed regarding the magnitude and the dynamic variations of the control variable. It is shown that the availability function can be split into two parts : one corresponds to the mixing term and depends on mole numbers only and the other depends on both temperature and mole numbers. The two parts are positive and the second one is chosen as a new Lyapunov function. The use of this new Lyapunov function insures smooth variations of the control variable. An exothermal, first order chemical reaction leading to multiple steady-state operating points of the CSTR illustrates the proposed theory.

A one-dimensional physically motivated dynamic model of a twin-screw extruder for reactive extrusion has been developed. This model predicts the transient and stationary behavior of the extruder for pressure, filling ratio, temperature, and molar conversion profiles as well as residence time distribution under various operating conditions. The model consists of a cascade of perfectly stirred reactors that can be either fully filled with backflow or partially filled according to the operating conditions. Each reactor is described by the reactant concentrations and the melt temperature. A piece of barrel and screw, described by their temperature, is associated with each reactor. Living polymerization of ε-caprolactone with tetrapropoxytitanium as the initiator is chosen as an example of application. The flow representation aspect of the model is validated by using experimental residence time distributions. Validation of the model is derived from simulation results as well as comparison with experimental data.

It is shown that a strictly-input passive linear finite dimensional controller exponentially stabilizes a large class of partial differential equations actuated at the boundary of a one dimensional spatial domain. This follows since the controller imposes exponential dissipation of the total energy. The result can by use for control synthesis and for the stability analysis of complex systems modeled by sets of coupled PDE's and ODE's. The result is specialized to port-Hamiltonian control systems and a simplified DNA-manipulation process is used to illustrate the result.Index Terms-Boundary control systems (BCS), partial differential equations (PDEs).