Skip to main content
ME
476
Control of Mechanical Systems Lab.
Experimental methods for system identification, control design, and analysis of controlled systems, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems are considered, calibration of sensors, analysis and discussion of experimental results in formal reports.
Corequisites:
0630417,0630474
0630476
(0-3-1)

Textbook:

Laboratory handout and notes

References:

  1. R. C. Dorf and R. H. Bishop, Modern Control Systems, 12th Edition, Prentice Hall, 2010.
  2. G. F. Franklin, J. D. Powell and A. Emami-Naeini, Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, 6th Edition, Prentice-Hall, 2009.

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

Coordinators:

Dynamics and Control TAG

Prerequisite by Topics:

  1. System Modeling.
  2. Test Signals.
  3. Transient Response.

Learning Objectives[^1]:

  1. To provide students with an opportunity to apply the acquired knowledge from ME-317 and ME-417 to real physical systems. (1,2,4,6)
  2. To provide an opportunity for students to improve their teamwork and communication skills. (3,5)

Evaluation Methods:

  1. Quizzes
  2. Exams
  3. Computer Assignments
  4. Project
  5. Reports
  6. Oral presentation
  7. Pre-lab tests
  8. Pre-lab homework
  9. Laboratory participation

Leaning Outcomes:

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

Objective 1

1.1 recall the basic principles of control.

1.2 demonstrate an ability to conduct an experiment for open and closed loop response.

1.3 demonstrate an ability to follow lab regulations and safety instructions.

1.4 To design and implement simple controllers for lab systems.

Objective 2

2.1 demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively through formal lab reports and project report.

2.2 demonstrate an ability to function effectively in teams.

Experiments: (Selected experiments from the following list)

A. Control

  1. Single Linear Flexible Joint 

    • Transient response of the system variables (motorized and second carts displacements) in open and closed loop systems.
    • Stability of the system. 
    • PI and PID control.

  2. Rotary Flexible Joint

    • Transient response of the system variables (servo motor and flexible arm angular displacements) in open and closed loop systems.
    • Stability of the system. 
    • PI and PID control.

  3. Single Pendulum Gantry

    • Transient response of the system variables (motorized cart displacement and pendulum angle) in open and closed loop systems.
    • Stability of the system. 
    • PI and PID control.

  4. Single Inverted Pendulum

    • Transient response of the system variables (motorized cart displacement and pendulum angle) in open and closed loop systems.
    • Stability of the system. 
    • Design of a proper controller.

  5. Active Mass Damper One Floor

    • Transient response of the system variables (motorized cart displacement and Floor acceleration) in open and closed loop systems.
    • Stability of the system. 
    • PI and PID control.

  6. Electro-Hydraulic Servomechanism 

    • Flow and Pressure Characteristics
    • Characteristics of servo loops and applications
    • Position servomechanism

  7. Active Suspension System

    • Transient response of the system variables (displacements of suspension masses) in open and closed loop systems.
    • Stability of the system. 
    • PI and PID control.

  8. DOF Crane

    • Transient response of the system variables (displacements of suspension masses) in open and closed loop systems.
    • Stability of the system. 
    • PI and PID control.

  9. 3-DOF Crane

    • Transient response of the system variables (Vertical tower, Horizontal jib and payload movements) in open and closed loop systems.
    • Stability of the system. 
    • PI and PID control.

  10. Pneumatic Control Teaching Mechanism (Manual Control)

Course Classification

Student Outcomes Level Relevant Activities
H, M, L
1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. M Modeling and analysis of control systems
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. M Design and implementation of simple controllers
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. H Lab and project reports
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. L Practice safety regulations, ethical issues in data reporting
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. M Work in teams for experiments and project
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions. H Lab experiments
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. L Self-learning, Pre-Lab assignments

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