Skip to main content
ME
417
Control of Mechanical Systems
Components of control circuits, feedback, operation, stability, and performance characteristics, cascade and feedback compensation, pole-zero assignment, sensitivity and state- variable feedback, applications in thermal, fluid, air conditioning, automotive and machine tool systems.
Prerequisites:
0630331,0630415
0630417
(3-0-3)

Textbook:

  1. N. S. Nise, Control Systems Engineering, John Wiley, 8th Ed., 2019

References:

  1. B. Kuo and F. Golnaraghi, Automatic Control Systems, 9th Ed., Wiley, 2009
  2. K. Ogata, Modern Control Engineering, 5th Edition, Prentice-Hall, 2009.
  3. R. Dorf and R. Bishop, Modern Control Systems, Prentice Hall, 13th Ed., 2017

Coordinators:

Dynamics and Control TAG

Prerequisites by Topics:

  1. Fundamentals of Basic Electronic Devices.
  2. Basic Principles and Operations of Electromechanical System.
  3. Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics.
  4. Fundamentals of Mechanical System Dynamics.
  5. Fundamentals of Measuring Devices.

Learning Objectives[^1]:

  1. To teach students analysis, design and implementation of control systems used [in the context of]{.underline} mechanical systems (1,2).
  2. To introduce [numerical and]{.underline} computer-assisted design of control systems using time and/or frequency domain techniques (2).
  3. To provide opportunities for students to practice communication and team-building skills, and to acquire a sense of professional responsibility (3,5,7).

Topics:

  1. Introduction to the Concept of Feedback Control.
  2. Mathematical Modelling for Control Purposes.
  3. Transfer Functions and S-Plane Representation.
  4. Stability of Linear Systems.
  5. Block Diagram Representations and/or Signal Flow Graphs of Control Systems.
  6. Steady-State Errors
  7. State-Space Representation.
  8. Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Systems Time Response Characteristics and Performance.
  9. Design of Control Systems using Root Locus Techniques.
  10. Design of Control Systems in State-Space
  11. Frequency Response Techniques (Bode Plots).

Computer Usage:

  1. Students must simulate realistic nonlinear models
  2. Students must design and evaluate a controller for a realistic plant using a scientific programming tool.

Evaluation:

  1. Exams.
  2. Quizzes.
  3. Homework.
  4. Computer Assignments.
  5. Project.
  6. Self and Team Assessment.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Objective 1

1.1 obtain adequate mathematical models of a physical system.

1.2 obtain linear models (state-space and transfer function) for control design.

1.3 construct, understand and simplify block diagrams and/or signal flow graphs of different systems.

1.4 specify performance objectives in time and frequency domains.

1.5 analyze linear system stability.

1.6 sketch the root locus and use it for design and analysis purposes.

1.7 sketch Bode diagrams and use frequency response for analysis and design of control systems.

1.8 design of cascade or feedback compensator to achieve a given performance objective.

Objective 2

2.1 use MATLAB to simulate open loop dynamic behavior to validate linear models.

2.2 use MATLAB to draw root locus, and Bode diagrams.

2.3 use MATLAB to design a controller and be able to evaluate the performance of the closed loop behavior

Objective 3

3.1 work in teams effectively to complete given team assignments.

3.2 communicate effectively in written form.

3.3 recognize the need for life-long learning and acquire information not covered in the lectures.

Course Classification

Student Outcomes Level Relevant Activities
1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. H Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Systems, ODE, Eigenvalues, System Modeling, Controller Synthesis, Validation of Models
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. H Controller Design, Use of MATLAB software for analysis and design of Control Systems
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. M Project report
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives. L Team project
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. L Lectures, Self-Learning Assignments, Essay

[^1]: Numbers in parentheses refer to the student outcomes.