Control Engineering Research Articles

Realizing high-efficiency and low-emission load control of Wankel rotary engine by CH4/H2 synergy

The present work proposes the application of CH4 and H2 synergy to improve the performance of the Wankel rotary engine (WRE). The whole work was experimentally conducted at 1500 r/min. The results indicate that CH4 WRE can achieve similar power and significantly higher thermal efficiency than gasoline WRE based on quantitative control, with a maximum absolute efficiency improvement of 11.4%. At the same time, it also can achieve 64% and 77% maximum reduction of CO and NO emissions, respectively. CH4–H2 synergy can further improve the performance of CH4-fueled WRE, which can broaden the lean flammability limits and make qualitative control application possible. Compared with CH4 WRE with quantitative control, qualitative control hybrid fuel WRE can achieve a maximum relative improvement of 6.54% in brake thermal efficiency and significantly reduced NO and CO emissions. However, the extent of qualitative control is limited by cyclic variation. Overall, CH4–H2 synergy can be a potential alternative to elevate the performance of WRE, the key to which is the reasonable match of synergy level and qualitative control extent.

Initial trajectory design of low-thrust spacecraft considering attitude constraints

The fuel carried by deep space exploration spacecraft is crucial for the completion of their exploration missions, and the fuel for attitude control engines is even more precious. In order to reduce the control requirements for attitude control systems, this paper proposes a shape-based trajectory optimization algorithm that considers attitude constraints for low-thrust spacecraft. This method obtains a more accurate transfer trajectory by considering the change rate and change range constraints of the propulsion acceleration direction of spacecraft. By comparing the simulation results without considering spacecraft attitude constraints, it is confirmed that the proposed algorithm considering attitude constraints is very important for the initial design of transfer trajectories. This is of great significance for high-precision initial trajectory optimization of deep space exploration missions.

Steady-State Fault Propagation Characteristics and Fault Isolation in Cascade Electro-Hydraulic Control System

Model-based fault diagnosis serves as a powerful technique for addressing fault detection and isolation issues in control systems. However, diagnosing faults in closed-loop control systems is more challenging due to their inherent robustness. This paper aims to detect and isolate actuator and sensor faults in the cascade electro-hydraulic control system of a turbofan engine. Based on the fault characteristics, we design a robust unknown perturbation decoupling residual generator and an optimal fault observer specifically for the inner and outer control loops to detect potential faults. To locate the faults, we analyze the steady-state propagation laws of actuator and sensor faults within the loops using the final value theorem. Based on this, we establish the minimal-dimensional fault influence distribution matrix specific to the cascade turbofan engine control system. Subsequently, we construct the normalized residual vectors and monitor its vector angles against each row of the fault influence distribution matrix to isolate faults. Experiments conducted on an electro-hydraulic test bench demonstrate that our proposed method can accurately locate four typical faults of actuators and sensors within the cascade electro-hydraulic control system. This study enriches the existing fault isolation methods for complex dynamic systems and lays the foundation for guiding component repair and maintenance.

Experimental study and performance analysis of a dual-mode space propulsion system pressurized by electric pump

This study presents a new dual-mode propulsion system that utilizes an electrically pumped hydrogen peroxide and kerosene supply system, specifically designed for advanced spacecraft orbit and attitude control. The system incorporates two distinct electric pumps, one for hydrogen peroxide and another for kerosene, each engineered to optimize the propellant feed for the orbit control and attitude control engines. This configuration enables precise propellant management and thrust control, which are critical for the stringent demands of modern space missions. The dual-mode capability of the propulsion system allows for the use of hydrogen peroxide both as a monopropellant in the attitude control engine and as an oxidizer in combination with kerosene in the orbit control engine. This approach simplifies the propulsion architecture while maximizing the efficiency and utility of hydrogen peroxide as a propellant. The electric pumps are essential in providing high-pressure propellant delivery, which is necessary to achieve the desired combustion characteristics and thrust parameters. Performance evaluations of the propulsion system demonstrated significant results. The orbit control engine achieved a combustion chamber pressure of 5.9 MPa and a combustion efficiency of 98.42 %. The attitude control engine, operating at a peak pressure of 4.9 MPa, exhibited a stable pulsative mode, maintaining consistent pressure levels throughout its operational cycle. These performance metrics highlight the effectiveness of the electric pump technology in enhancing propulsion system responsiveness and efficiency. This propulsion system is expected to improve spacecraft maneuverability and reduce operational costs, making it suitable for long-duration space missions.

Water-Coal Ratio Control Strategy of Ultra Supercritical Unit Based on Neural Network Inverse Model

Since the boiler water-coal ratio control system is a complex system with the characteristics of non-linearity and strong coupling, water-coal ratio control is one of the most difficult problems in the coal-fired power generation process control engineering, whose control strategy is of great importance. While, in order to achieve the control of water-coal ratio effectively during the coal-fired power generation process, the neural network inverse system scheme is proposed for the control of the water-coal ratio of ultra-supercritical units. Firstly, the model for the water-coal ratio system of an ultra-supercritical unit is presented in allusion to the characteristics of the water-coal ratio control system. Then the concept of the neural network based inverse system, the principle and method of the design of the neural network inverse controller are discussed. Finally, the control scheme is verified by establishing neural network inverse system on MATLAB toolbox. The experimental results show that the neural network based inverse system models has better control effect in terms of anti-interference ability, stability time than that of PID control system.

Engineering acyclovir-induced RNA nanodevices for reversible and tunable control of aptamer function

Small molecule-regulated RNA devices have the potential to modulate diverse aspects of cellular function, but the small molecules used to date have potential toxicities limiting their use in cells. Here we describe a method for creating drug-regulated RNA nanodevices (RNs) using acyclovir, a biologically compatible small molecule with minimal toxicity. Our modular approach involves a scaffold comprising a central F30 three-way junction, an integrated acyclovir aptamer on the input arm, and a variable effector-binding aptamer on the output arm. This design allows for the rapid engineering of acyclovir-regulated RNs, facilitating temporal, tunable, and reversible control of intracellular aptamers. We demonstrate the control of the Broccoli aptamer and the iron-responsive element (IRE) by acyclovir. Regulating the IRE with acyclovir enables precise control over iron-regulatory protein (IRP) sequestration, consequently promoting the inhibition of ferroptosis. Overall, the method described here provides a platform for transforming aptamers into acyclovir-controllable antagonists against physiologic target proteins.

Shared sanitation facilities and risk of respiratory virus transmission in resource-poor settings: A COVID-19 modeling case study.

Water supply and sanitation are essential household services frequently shared in resource-poor settings. Shared sanitation can increase the risk of enteric pathogen transmission due to suboptimal cleanliness of facilities used by large numbers of individuals. It also can potentially increase the risk of respiratory disease transmission. As sanitation is an essential need, shared sanitation facilities may act as important respiratory pathogen transmission venues even with strict control measures such as stay-at-home recommendations in place. This analysis explores how behavioral and infrastructural conditions surrounding shared sanitation may individually and interactively influence respiratory pathogen transmission. We developed an individual-based community transmission model using COVID-19 as a motivating example parameterized from empirical literature to explore how transmission in shared latrines interacts with transmission at the community level. We explored mitigation strategies, including infrastructural and behavioral interventions. Our review of empirical literature confirms that shared sanitation venues in resource-poor settings are relatively small with poor ventilation and high use patterns. In these contexts, shared sanitation facilities may act as strong drivers of respiratory disease transmission, especially in areas reliant on shared facilities. Decreasing dependence on shared latrines was most effective at attenuating sanitation-associated transmission. Improvements to latrine ventilation and handwashing behavior were also able to decrease transmission. The type and order of interventions are important in successfully attenuating disease risk, with infrastructural and engineering controls being most effective when administered first, followed by behavioral controls after successful attenuation of sufficient alternate transmission routes. Beyond COVID-19, our modeling framework can be extended to address water, sanitation, and hygiene measures targeted at a range of environmentally mediated infectious diseases.

Bi6Fe2Ti3O18 ferroelectrics with various morphologies under mild conditions by crystal growth control for promoted adsorption-piezo-photocatalytic degradation performances

Bi6Fe2Ti3O18 (BFTO) Aurivillius phase layered perovskite ferroelectric materials with spontaneous polarization and piezoelectric effect, have garnered significant attention in photocatalysis owing to their unique advantage of enhancing electron-hole separation. Herein, morphological engineering is used to improve the photocatalytic, piezo-catalytic, and piezo-photocatalytic activities of BFTO, and BFTO nanocrystallites with diverse morphologies such as nanosheet, nanoparticle, nanosheets-assembled flower-like structures were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method under mild conditions. Among these structures, the flower-like BFTO sample exhibits efficient absorption of visible light, excellent adsorption performance, enhanced piezoelectric response, and effective carrier separation, thereby contributing to its superior adsorption-photocatalytic, adsorption-piezo-catalytic, and adsorption-piezo-photocatalytic activities for Rhodamine B. Furthermore, corona poling was further applied to enhance the macroscopic polarization and piezoelectric response of the BFTO photocatalyst, thereby leading to more effective separation of photogenerated carriers in the polarized samples. The polarized BFTO microflowers exhibit excellent photocatalytic, piezo-catalytic, and piezo-photocatalytic activities with reaction rate constants of 0.222 min−1, 0.168 min−1, and 0.255 min−1. Based on the results of piezoresponse force microscopy and finite element simulation, the greater piezoelectric response was confirmed in the polarized flower-like BFTO compared to the other samples. Overall, the synergistic effect of morphology control and polarization engineering is effective for achieving Bi-based Aurivillius phase layered perovskite photocatalyst with excellent adsorption-photocatalytic and adsorption-piezo-photocatalytic performances.

Facet-Controlled Synthesis of Unconventional-Phase Metal Alloys for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Oxidation.

Facet control and phase engineering of metal nanomaterials are both important strategies to regulate their physicochemical properties and improve their applications. However, it is still a challenge to tune the exposed facets of metal nanomaterials with unconventional crystal phases, hindering the exploration of the facet effects on their properties and functions. In this work, by using Pd nanoparticles with unconventional hexagonal close-packed (hcp, 2H type) phase, referred to as 2H-Pd, as seeds, a selective epitaxial growth method is developed to tune the predominant growth directions of secondary materials on 2H-Pd, forming Pd@NiRh nanoplates (NPLs) and nanorods (NRs) with 2H phase, referred to as 2H-Pd@2H-NiRh NPLs and NRs, respectively. The 2H-Pd@2H-NiRh NRs expose more (100)h and (101)h facets on the 2H-NiRh shells compared to the 2H-Pd@2H-NiRh NPLs. Impressively, when used as electrocatalysts toward hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), the 2H-Pd@2H-NiRh NRs show superior activity compared to the NiRh alloy with conventional face-centered cubic (fcc) phase (fcc-NiRh) and the 2H-Pd@2H-NiRh NPLs, revealing the crucial role of facet control in enhancing the catalytic performance of unconventional-phase metal nanomaterials. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further unravel that the excellent HOR activity of 2H-Pd@2H-NiRh NRs can be attributed to the more exposed (100)h and (101)h facets on the 2H-NiRh shells, which possess high electron transfer efficiency, optimized H* binding energy, enhanced OH* binding energy, and a low energy barrier for the rate-determining step during the HOR process.

Comprehensive Review of Li-Rich Mn-Based Layered Oxide Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Theories, Challenges, Strategies and Perspectives.

Lithium-rich manganese-based layered oxide cathode materials (LLOs) have always been considered as the most promising cathode materials for achieving high energy density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, in practical applications, LLOs often face some key problems, such as low initial coulombic efficiency, capacity/voltage decay, poor rate performance and poor cycle stability. It seriously shortens the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries and hinder the large-scale commercial application of LLOs. Herein, firstly, the basic theories of LLOs were systematically reviewed, including the structural characteristics, the working mechanism of LLOs, the preparation methods of LLOs (liquid phase co-precipitate method, sol-gel method, hydrothermal synthesis method, solid phase method, low heat solid-phase method, high temperature solid-state method etc.), and electrochemical characteristics of LLOs (first charge discharge characteristics and reversible efficiency, cycling performance, high and low temperature performance and thermal stability etc.). Then, key challenges faced by LLOs were systematically discussed. Finally, the LLOs modification strategies used to address these challenges (element doping, surface modification, defect engineering, structural and morphological control etc.) were elaborated in detail. This important review provides potential insights and directions for further improving the electrochemical performance of LLOs, and provides a necessary theoretical basis for accelerating the large-scale commercial application of LLOs. It possesses important scientific research value and far-reaching social significance.

Research on the degradation of resolution in cameras based on CMOS image sensor under γ- and X-rays irradiation

Remote control engineering in industry usually requires cameras to assist target identification and detection, but the cameras working in nuclear environments face the threat of radiation-induced degradation. Both γ- and X-rays in nuclear environments will cause ionizing radiation damage, but the difference in degradation of camera’s performance induced by ionizing radiation damage with equivalent total ionizing dose (TID) of these two rays is unclear, which is crucial for the evaluation of camera performance in a nuclear radiation environment. In order to figure out the degradation of CMOS cameras by ionization radiation damage under different rays, this study conducted irradiation experiments on CMOS image sensors under X-ray with 10 keV and 60Co-γ ray with 1.25 MeV, respectively, and then tested and calculated the resolution of camera based on this CMOS image sensor. After comparing and analyzing the results, it was found that the dark current and full well capacity of the CIS, as well as the resolution of the camera, were more severely degraded after X-ray irradiation. Further analysis found that the interface dose enhancement effect of X-ray, as well as the generation of high-density oxide trapped charges in the gate oxide, aggravated the degradation of full well capacity on the CIS after X-ray irradiation, resulting in more severe degradation in the resolution of the CMOS camera. This study provides theoretical basis for the safety and reliability evaluation of cameras in strong nuclear radiation environments.

Preface: 6th International Conference on Automatic Control and Mechatronic Engineering (ACME 2024)

2024 6th International Conference on Automatic Control and Mechatronic Engineering (ACME 2024) is to facilitate an exchange of information on best practices for advanced automation, control technology, vehicle engineering, electronic engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and mechatronic engineering, addressing the problems and opportunities of a sustainable future. This conference provides a forum for engineers and scientists in academia, industry, and government to address the most innovative research and development including technical challenges and economic issues, and to present and discuss their ideas, results, work in progress and experience in these aspects. ACME 2024 was held during July 13-14, 2024, in Sapporo, Japan. The development of science occurs by utilizing collaboration with other branches of science such as technology, mechanical engineering, and mathematics. The distinctive feature of collaboration that has become an important value. We thank all participants for ACME 2024 who have contributed their research. I hope, with this kind of collaboration, we can jointly improve the development quality in this era. Organizing Committees of ACME Sapporo, Japan

Fast uncertainty assessment of in-service thrust control for turbofan engines: An equivalent model using Taylor expansion

An equivalent model using Taylor expansion (TEEM) is proposed for a fleet of engines regulated by the industrial baseline controller, aiming at the fast assessment of in-service thrust control under gas path and measurement uncertainties in advance. TEEM is fulfilled initially by the equivalent transformation of measurement uncertainties into engine set-point distribution, followed by a first-order Taylor expansion on the steady-state aero-thermal engine model along the average degradation curve of engine fleets. Simulations are conducted at take-off states on a validated aero-thermal turbofan engine model with publicly available uncertainty statistics on a desktop computer. Results show that the equivalent transformation is successful for both new and degraded engine fleets. Moreover, TEEM can estimate the mean and standard deviation values of key engine control parameters including thrust with the maximum errors of 0.04 % and 3.85 % for new engine fleets, 0.04 % and 6.25 % for degraded engine fleets, respectively, compared to the classic sample-based Monte-Carlo simulations (MCS). Computational time for TEEM and MCS for the tested life cycle are 3,018,564s and 137.52s accordingly, which means 99.995 % simulation time reduction is achieved by TEEM. Hence, the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed model for uncertainty assessment of thrust control of turbofan engines are confirmed.

Research on modeling and control strategy of zero-carbon hybrid power system based on the ammonia-hydrogen engine

In the context of carbon neutrality, high efficiency, low carbon, and zero environmental impact have become an essential development direction of internal combustion engines (ICEs). Hydrogen energy has the advantage of having a high calorific value. It also has zero carbon emissions and is considered one of the significant alternative fuels for ICEs. Moreover, ammonia has a high octane number and has an anti-knock effect, which facilitates the mitigation of knock in hydrogen ICEs and potentially mitigates the negative impact of knock on engine volume power. Scholars have carried out some explorations on ammonia-hydrogen ICEs (AHICE), which have been applied in marine power systems. It is anticipated that AHICE will become one of the most significant development directions in the field of vehicle power systems in the future. However, there are still some problems with using AHICEs in passenger cars. The proposed work presented a zero-carbon hybrid power system based on an AHICE. Specifically, the external characteristics curve and power output boundary were obtained by bench experiments of the ICE under wide open throttle (WOT) conditions and diverse engine speeds and λ. Indeed, a hybrid system model consisting of an AHICE and a power battery was built where the AHICE was used to respond to the demanded power and the power battery was used to provide additional power and store the electrical energy converted from braking. Incidentally, an engine control strategy was developed to expand the knock limit and power boundary by dynamically adjusting the ammonia-hydrogen volume ratio. Finally, a hybrid power system simulation model was established based on MATLAB/Simulink. The CLTC-P and WLTC simulation results demonstrated that the zero-carbon hybrid system which comprised AHICE and power battery can work in the high efficiency area. The AHICE demonstrates lower fuel consumption while satisfying power requirements. This work provides a promising route to zero-carbon hybrid technology for the passenger car industry facing the challenge of carbon neutrality.

Implementation and barriers to waterless care: a questionnaire study of infection prevention and control practitioners, clinicians, and engineers

Water and wastewater in healthcare settings are recognized to represent a risk to patients. However, waterless care has not been widely implemented in UK healthcare settings. To identify barriers to implementation of waterless care. A questionnaire study of infection prevention and control (IPC) practitioners, non-IPC clinicians, and estates managers and engineers was undertaken. Alternatives to water present challenges in perceived acceptability to patients, particularly cleansing wipes for bathing and dry shampoo. There are concerns about cleansing wipes in terms of storage, disposal, sustainability and contamination during manufacture. Estates and engineering concerns include relative water tank size for water turnover and clinical disruption due to works. Further work is required on acceptability of reduced water scenarios and patient views but the results of this questionnaire provide a grounding for sentiment from healthcare workers on waterless care.

Integration of Legacy Industrial Equipment in a Building-Management System Industry 5.0 Scenario

Considering Industry 4.0 directions, followed by recent Industry 5.0 principles, interest in integrating legacy systems in industrial manufacturing has emerged. Due to the continuous evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as well as the rapid extension of the scope and adoption of broader technologies, such integration has become feasible. Even though newly developed equipment provides easier interoperability, the replacement of legacy systems highly impacts cost and sustainability, which usually extends to the entire production process, the operators and the maintenance team, and sometimes even the robustness of the production process. Ensuring the interoperability of legacy systems is a problematic task, being dependent on technologies and development techniques and specific industrial domain particularities. This paper considers strategies to ensure the interoperability of legacy systems in a building-management system scenario where local structures are approached using both industrial protocols and web-based contexts. The solution is built following the Industry 5.0 pillars (sustainability, human focus, resilience) and conceives the entire data acquisition and supervisory solution to be flexible, open-source, resilient, and under the control of company engineers. The chosen environment for interfacing and supervision is Node-RED, enabling IoT and IIoT tools, together with a complete orientation toward digital transformation. This way, it is possible to construct a final result that enhances security while bridging outdated protocols and technologies, eliminating compatibility risks in the context of the evolutionary IIoT, ensuring critical process functions are possible, and aiding operators in complying with regulations governing building-management system (BMS) operations, thus solving the challenges that arise in the complex task of adopting the IoT backbone of digital transformation in relation to the integration of legacy equipment. The obtained solution is tested in an automotive industry building-management system, and the results demonstrate its performance, reliability, and high customizability in a context of openness and low cost.

Effects of Lean Burn on Combustion and Emissions of a DISI Engine Fueled with Methanol–Gasoline Blends

Methanol has significant potential as an alternative fuel for internal combustion engines. Using methanol–gasoline blends with lean-burn technology in traditional spark-ignition engines can enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions. This paper investigates the effects of lean burn on the combustion and emissions in a commercial direct-injection gasoline engine fueled with methanol–gasoline blends. The lean-burn mode is adjusted by controlling the injection strategy. The results show that homogeneous lean burn (HLB) has earlier combustion phase and better power performance when the excess air ratio (λ) is less than 1.3, while its combustion phase extends more than stratified lean burn (SLB) when λ exceeds 1.4. Both lean-burn modes achieve optimal fuel economy at λ = 1.2–1.3. Under stable conditions, BSFC decreases with higher methanol blending ratios, with SLB being more economical at low blending ratios and HLB at higher ratios. The lowest HC and particulate matter emissions for both modes are achieved around λ = 1.3. SLB has lower NOX emissions when λ < 1.3, while HLB shows lower NOX emissions when λ > 1.3. The particulate size distribution is bimodal for blending lean-burn conditions, with SLB having the highest nucleation mode peak and HLB the highest accumulation mode peak. M20 (20% volume of methanol) corresponds to the highest particle emissions under lean-burn conditions. This study can provide a deeper understanding of methanol–gasoline blending lean burn, and provide a reference for emission control of spark-ignition engines.

Engineering of g-C3N4 for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: A Review.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based photocatalysts have garnered significant interest as a promising photocatalyst for hydrogen generation under visible light, to address energy and environmental challenges owing to their favorable electronic structure, affordability, and stability. In spite of that, issues such as high charge carrier recombination rates and low quantum efficiency impede its broader application. To overcome these limitations, structural and morphological modification of the g-C3N4-based photocatalysts is a novel frontline to improve the photocatalytic performance. Therefore, we briefly summarize the current preparation methods of g-C3N4. Importantly, this review highlights recent advancements in crafting high-performance g-C3N4-based photocatalysts, focusing on strategies like elemental doping, nanostructure design, bandgap engineering, and heterostructure construction. Notably, sophisticated doping techniques have propelled hydrogen production rates to a 104-fold increase. Ingenious nanostructure designs have expanded the surface area by a factor of 26, concurrently extending the fluorescence lifetime of charge carriers by 50%. Moreover, the strategic assembly of heterojunctions has not only elevated charge carrier separation efficiency but also preserved formidable redox properties, culminating in a dramatic hundredfold surge in hydrogen generation performance. This work provides a reliable and brief overview of the controlled modification engineering of g-C3N4-based photocatalyst systems, paving the way for more efficient hydrogen production.

Reinforcement Twinning: From digital twins to model-based reinforcement learning

The concept of digital twins promises to revolutionize engineering by offering new avenues for optimization, control, and predictive maintenance. We propose a novel framework for simultaneously training the digital twin of an engineering system and an associated control agent. The training of the twin combines methods from adjoint-based data assimilation and system identification, while the training of the control agent combines model-based optimal control and model-free reinforcement learning. The training of the control agent is achieved by letting it evolve independently along two paths: one driven by a model-based optimal control and another driven by reinforcement learning. The virtual environment offered by the digital twin is used as a playground for confrontation and indirect interaction. This interaction occurs as an “expert demonstrator”, where the best policy is selected for the interaction with the real environment and “cloned” to the other if the independent training stagnates. We refer to this framework as Reinforcement Twinning (RT). The framework is tested on three vastly different engineering systems and control tasks, namely (1) the control of a wind turbine subject to time-varying wind speed, (2) the trajectory control of flapping-wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs) subject to wind gusts, and (3) the mitigation of thermal loads in the management of cryogenic storage tanks. The test cases are implemented using simplified models for which the ground truth on the closure law is available. The results show that the adjoint-based training of the digital twin is remarkably sample-efficient and completed within a few iterations. Concerning the control agent training, the results show that the model-based and the model-free control training benefit from the learning experience and the complementary learning approach of each other. The encouraging results open the path towards implementing the RT framework on real systems.

Desertification in northern China from 2000 to 2020: The spatial–temporal processes and driving mechanisms

Desertification is one of the most significant environmental and social challenges globally. Monitoring desertification dynamics and quantitatively identifying the contributions of its driving factors are crucial for land restoration and sustainable development. This study develops a standardized methodological framework that combines desertification dynamics with driving mechanisms at the pixel level, applied to northern China from 2000 to 2020. Using multisource data and employing the Time Series Segmentation and Residual Trend analysis (TSS-RESTREND) method alongside geographical detector, we quantitatively assessed desertification reversion, expansion, and abrupt change processes, along with the impacts and interactions of natural and human factors were quantitatively assessed. Over the past two decades, the proportion of desertified land decreased by 5.60%. Notably, 32.88% of the study area experienced significant desertification reversion, while only 5.86% underwent expansion. Abrupt changes in both reversed and expanding areas were observed, primarily in the central and western regions, with these changes concentrated in the periods of 2009–2011 and 2014–2016. The impacts of various factors in different sub-regions exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. Increased precipitation, temperature, and evapotranspiration contributed to reversion in the western area, while decreased wind speed influenced the eastern area. Additionally, decreased population density and afforestation activities also promoted desertification reversion. In contrast, decreased precipitation and increased temperature contributed to expansion in the western and eastern areas, respectively, with increased population density exacerbating this process. Overall, the interactions between natural and human factors were enhanced. Future desertification control and ecological engineering planning should focus on the coupling effects of different driving factors and relevant abrupt vegetation changes.