SUMMARY:
In this project modeling, monitoring and control processes for microwave sintered materials are developed. This technique is a new application, emerged as an alternative method, has a number of advantages over conventional sintering methods:
- Rapid distribution of heat evenly.
- Materials require much less energy to be microwave sintered by conventional methods.
- The heat diffusion processes are intensified by the use of microwaves.
- Much higher heating rates are achieved and therefore the sintering time decreases.
- Greater density in the sintered material and a better distribution of the particles.
- Improved physical and mechanical properties of the sintered products.
The objectives in the project encompass:
- Constructing a prototype microwave cavity incorporating the measuring and actuating elements necessary to automate the process of sintering materials.
- Development of nonlinear dynamic mathematical models to describe the behavior of the temperature of the material to be sintered.
- Simplification of nonlinear mathematical models to adapt them to the techniques of control systems based on linear algebra, as PID structures and state space.
- Design control strategies based on linear optimization enabling management MISO systems robustly.
- Design control strategies based on nonlinear optimization enabling management MISO systems robustly.
- Implementation of control algorithms and real tests with the prototype.
- Developing a computer application (SCADA) LabView software based enabling monitoring, control and optimization of the entire system sintered autonomously