Nonlinearities exist in all process control systems. The use of linear control techniques is valid only in a narrow region of operation. Nonlinear control is central to future industrial development. In this book, multivariable nonlinear control techniques based on differential geometry are considered in a pragmatic manner. The book provides a simplified and systematic approach to geometric nonlinear control theory. A case study of an industrial evaporator is used as an example throughout the entire book. Various other examples are also used throughout the text to illustrate the theory. The book successfully demonstrates the superiority and simplicity of the class of controllers studied through simulations and actual plant implementations. The simulations were done using the symbolic computation package MAPLE. Discussions are given on the application of symbolic computation in process engineering.This book is aimed at industrial practitioners and postgraduates in engineering, and will be particularly valuable to practicing engineers who find the theory books on control somewhat heavy going. The insights provided in the book will encourage more industrial implementations of nonlinear controllers, and thereby help to bridge the widening gap between control theory and industrial practice.
