Differential Games and Robust Nonlinear Controller Design (ESR17) ***provided position***

• Title : Differential Games and Robust Nonlinear Controller Design.
• Application deadline: December 15, 2011 or until the position is filled
• Location:  Imperial College London, UK
• Secondment: La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
• Funding: 36 months
• Contact: Richard Vinter
  
• Description of the subject:

The differential games approach to feedback controller design, in the presence of disturbances, is to interpret the disturbances as strategies of an antagonistic player, aiming to degrade performance of the feedback control to the maximum extent possible. The applications of this approach are well advanced in the context of unconstrained linear dynamic systems (H1 Linear Optimal Control). This project will address a number of fundamental questions in the application of differential games methods to non-linear dynamic systems, in the presence of constraints. These concern the interpretation of ‘feedback’ strategies, the use of the ‘method of characteristics’ to solve differential games problems related to robust controller design, and the determination of optimal switching surfaces. A case study, concerning the design of surge tank controller, to even out flow irregularities between two chemical reactors, will be undertaken, to investigate the merits of this approach in the field of process control.

• Requirements:  MSc degree in mathematics or a related subject.
  

Applications including a full curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of at least two referees should be sent to Contact.