Nonlinear Systems and Circuits in Internal Combustion Engines: Modeling and Control (SpringerBriefs in Nonlinear Circuits)

This brief provides an overview on the most relevant nonlinear phenomena in internal combustion engines with a particular emphasis on the use of nonlinear circuits in their modelling and control.

The brief contains advanced methodologies ―based on neural networks and soft-computing approaches among others― for the compensation of engine nonlinearities by using the combustion pressure signal and proposes several techniques for the reconstruction of this signal on the basis of different engine parameters, including engine-block vibration and crankshaft rotational speed. Another topic of the book is the diagnosis of the nonlinearities of injection systems and their balancing, which is a mandatory task for the new generation of gasoline direct injection engines.

The authors come from both industrial and academic backgrounds, so the brief represents an important tool both for researchers and practitioners in the automotive industry.

Dr. Eng. Ferdinando Taglialatela Scafati got a Master degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Naples “Federico II” in 2001. In 2002 he joined STMicroelectronics working as a researcher in the Soft Computing Group - Corporate R&D. In this period he focused his activities on the design of models for Automotive systems and on the use of soft cmputing techniques for IC Engine Control. In 2005 he moved to the Automotive Group of STMicroelectronics where he currently works. Here he is involved in the design, implementation and validation of engine control systems for traditional and innovative power trains. He is a Member of Technical Staff of STMicroelectronics as recognized expert in the field of electronic control of power train system and engine management. He is author of several patents and publications in peer review journals, and he collaborates with several original equipment manufacturers, universities and international research centers.

Mario Lavorgna was born June 26th, 1957 in Rome, Italy. He got a Master degree in Physics in 1982 at the University of Naples, Federico II. Until 1987 he worked as a researcher in General Relativity and Cosmology at the University of Naples, Federico II, publishing several scientific papers in international scientific journals. Since 1987 he has worked at STMicroelectronics, where he drives R&D activities in advanced microelectronic applications, including fuzzy logic, neural networks, soft computing methodologies in different application areas: consumer, industrial, robotics, automotive. He is currently in charge of mass market system and application for the Automotive Group at STMicroelectronics in Naples, Italy, developing electronic control solutions for the next generation of power trains, cooperating with key original equipment manufacturers and international research centers. He is author of several patents, technical books and scientific papers.
Dr. Ezio Mancaruso holds a Ph.D., having graduated in Mechanical Systems Engineering, is a researcher of the National Research Council (CNR) and worked at the Istituto Motori (IM). Principal areas of activity were fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and combustion in diesel engines and fuel-engine interaction. Ezio focused his research activity on the application of the optical diagnostics and advanced combustion sensor to study in-cylinder phenomena and to develop new control system for ICE.In particular, he carried out intense experimental research in fluid dynamics, injection and combustion fields of the ICE using optical diagnostics as well as in the application of advanced sensors like accelerometer and ionization current system to diesel engines. He is experienced as a reviewer for several ISI-listed journals. He is co-author of more than 100 publications both in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. He is responsible scientistfor work pages in the EU, and coordinator and responsible scientist on several projects.
As Director of Research Bianca Maria Vaglieco oversees several engine laboratories. She is involved in several activities related to the experimental and theoretical study of the thermo-fluid-dynamic process in reciprocating internal combustion engines. Her main activity concerns the experimental investigation of fundamental physical and chemical processes occurring in CI and SI engines by means of non intrusive diagnostics such as innovative sensors and optical systems. She has developed advanced non-intrusive optical diagnostics for analyzing chemical and physical phenomena in the cylinder and exhaust in order to contribute to the improvements of engine performance and emission. She is author of more than 340 papers including peer-reviewed journal papers, book chapters and international conferences and patents.