Optimization and Control of Mechanical and Aerospace Systems
Dr. Mario A. Rotea
Professor and Head of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Friday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. in TI Auditorium (ECSS 2.102)
Abstract
This talk gives an overview of our research in optimization and control of mechanical and aerospace systems. In the first part of the talk, a convex program known as semidefinite program (SDP) will be presented. An SDP is an optimization problem with a linear objective function and constraints on the eigenvalues of a linear matrix-valued function of the optimization variables. Key features of the SDP will be reviewed using mathematical language common to most engineers. The role of semidefinite programming in engineering problems will be discussed. It will be shown how SDP has facilitated advances in the following areas: the design of control laws with multiple specifications, the analysis of vibrations in turbomachinery components, and the design of state estimation algorithms with probability constraints on the state trajectories.
The second part of the talk will focus on a model-free optimization algorithm for control known as extremum seeking control (ESC). The ESC is based on the gradient method of nonlinear programming. The effectiveness of ESC to identify and track operating points of maximum performance will be illustrated using a thermoacoustic cooling process. Recent work on virtual thermal sensing of aircraft generators to support on-board diagnostics will also be discussed.
Biography
Mario A. Rotea graduated with an electronic engineering degree from the National University of Rosario (’83). He received his master’s degree in electrical engineering (’88) and Ph.D. in control science and dynamical systems (’90) from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
He began his academic career at Purdue University, where he rose to the rank of professor of aeronautics and astronautics and courtesy professor of mechanical engineering. In April 2007, Dr. Rotea joined the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, as professor and head of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and adjunct professor of electrical and computer engineering. Prior to joining UMass, Dr. Rotea managed the Control Systems Program at the National Science Foundation (2005-07). He also worked for the United Technologies Research Center as a senior research engineer in the Mechatronics Department (1997-98).
Dr. Rotea’s research is in optimization and control of mechanical, electrical and aerospace systems. He has made pioneering contributions in optimal and robust control, which led to his election as IEEE Fellow. During his tenure at NSF he co-authored large program solicitations for research at the interface of engineering, computer science and mathematics.
