In linear relationships, variables move both in the same direction and at a constant rate. In a monotonic relationship, variables move generally in the same relative direction, although not necessarily at a constant rate. In non-monotonic, nonlinear systems, neither of these conditions apply. These systems are often encountered in the real world, but they have not been investigated much by the estimation research community.
PhD student Hamidreza Movahedi (Mechanical Engineering) is working on a project to develop estimation algorithms for non-monotonic nonlinear systems. Besides algorithm development, the project includes applications to three real-world problems:
- Estimation of the real-time piston position in linear actuators using the magnetic field of a permanent magnet located on the piston.
- State-of-charge estimation involving lithium-ion battery applications in which new sensors with non-monotonic behavior and significant hysteresis pose significant challenges.
- Parameter and state estimation in COVID-19 infection spread dynamics, using public health data on infections, hospitalizations, and deaths available from the Minnesota Department of Public Health.
Some funding for this project was provided by a 2021 University of Minnesota Informatics Institute MnDRIVE PhD Graduate Assistantship. The UMII MnDRIVE Graduate Assistantship program supports UMN PhD candidates pursuing research at the intersection of informatics and any of the five MnDRIVE areas:
- Robotics, Sensors and Advanced Manufacturing
- Global Food Ventures
- Advancing Industry, Conserving Our Environment
- Discoveries and Treatments for Brain Conditions
- Cancer Clinical Trials
This project is part of the Robotics, Sensors and Advanced Manufacturing and Advancing Industry, Conserving Our Environment MnDRIVE areas.
Research Computing partners:
- University of Minnesota Informatics Institute
