Two Decades of Research on Linear Repetitive Processes Part I: Theory

Inhalt:
Multipass processes was the name used to describe the dynamics of longwall coal cutting in the early 1970’s. Later the term ‘repetitive process’ was used and, using coal cutting as a motivating example, the development of a stability and control theory for these processes began. In the past two decades, this theory has been developed, motivated by the emergence of more physical examples and the recognition that repetitive process control theory can also be used to solve problems in other areas, to the stage where experimental verification is available to support the theory. This paper gives a reflective overview of the progress achieved in the underlying systems theory and in a companion paper the application of this theory is described together with a discussion of possible future developments.