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Blackbox

This project is a Python-based implementation of Feed-Forward Neural Networks (FNN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) for modeling dynamical systems. The project is part of a thesis focusing on the application of neural networks to model a magnetic braking system (also known as an Eddy current brake) and its dynamical behavior based only on experimental data readings.

The architecture of this software is designed to be versatile. Theoretically, this project can be used to model any dynamical system or even any system whose inputs and outputs can be measured. To do so, you will only need to modify the data_processing.py file to suit your needs.

Screenshot

Requirements

  • Python 3.x (Tested with Python 3.8.17)
  • Libraries specified in requirements.txt

Installation

  1. Clone this repository. 
    git clone https://github.com/alex-spataru/blackbox
  2. Navigate to the project directory. 
    cd blackbox
  3. Install the required libraries. 
    pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

To run the software, simply execute main.py:

python main.py

Prediction/experimental data comparison example

FNN prediction example

Feedback mechanism

Unlike traditional neural network models, this setup feeds the output predictions (and their derivatives) back into the model as inputs. This feedback mechanism is particularly useful for modeling dynamical systems & greatly improves model performance and generalization capacities.

Neural Network Architectures

Below are the architectures for the Feed-Forward and Recurrent Neural Networks used in this project:

FNN Architecture: FNN Architecture

RNN Architecture: RNN Architecture

Thanks to the feedback mechanism, the models do not require a time input in order to correctly predict the behavior of the system (T_i stands for temperature readings). In other words, the trained models are able to represent and generalize the actual behavior of the system (instead of just creating a linear regression of the training data).

Training Process

The image below provides an overview of the entire training process:

Training Process

Test Vectors

Test vectors are used for validating the generalization capacity of the trained neural network models, below is an example of a test vector that simulates a step function at t = 3s:

$TIME 10.0
$STEP_SIZE 0.02

$INPUT Reference 3
0.00   0
2.98   0
3.00   100

$INPUT Distance 1
0.00   1.25

$INPUT Temperature 1
0.00   30
  • $TIME: Total simulation time.
  • $STEP_SIZE: Time step size for the simulation.
  • $INPUT: Defines an input signal for the simulation.
    • Following the $INPUT keyword, the name of the input and the number of points for that input are specified.
    • Each point is then listed with its corresponding time and value.

Note: We interpolate between each point to generate a continuous signal over the specified time.

Directory Structure

Here is a brief explanation of the project directory structure:

blackbox/
│
├── cfg/                     # Configuration files and resources
│   ├── FNN.json             # Configuration file for FNN models
│   ├── RNN.json             # Configuration file for RNN models
│   └── RM42 Magnetic Brake/ # Resources & code related to the magnetic brake
│
├── utils/                   # Utility scripts
│   ├── data_processing.py   # Data preprocessing utilities
│   ├── model_executor.py    # Model execution class
│   ├── model_generator.py   # Neural network model generation & training
│   ├── plotting.py          # Plotting utilities
│   └── test_vector.py       # Test vector parsing
│
├── config.py                # Configuration file loader
├── main.py                  # Main script to run the project
└── requirements.txt         # Required libraries

Configuration files & extra stuff

  • FNN.json and RNN.json inside the cfg folder are JSON files containing hyperparameters for each neural network model. You can create your own configuration files to customize model behavior and define your own input/output parameters.
  • cfg/RM42 Magnetic Brake/ contains resources related to the magnetic brake, including experimental data, MCU code, test vectors & CAD files.

Utilities

  • data_processing.py: Functions for data preprocessing.
  • model_executor.py: Handles model training and execution.
  • model_generator.py: Generates the specified neural network model.
  • plotting.py: Utilities for plotting model predictions.
  • test_vector.py: Handles the test vectors for model validation.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE.md file for details.