Module Details

Module Code: MECH8023
Title: System Dynamics & Control Eng
Long Title: System Dynamics & Control Eng
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module aims to introduce concepts of modelling and control design for engineering systems. The approach is to present an engineering methodology that, while based on mathematical fundamentals, stresses physical systems modelling and practical control systems design with realistic system specifications. It aims to study the
performance, characteristics and advantages of feedback control systems, and to introduce control design
techniques based on steady state and transient response specifications.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the fundamental concepts, terminology and purpose of control engineering.
LO2 Compose dynamic, continuous time mathematical models of various physical systems using differential equations and Laplace transform methods.
LO3 Analyse the time domain transient and steady state response of zero, first and second order systems.
LO4 Assess the stability of closed loop systems by means of the root location in s-plane and their effects on system performance.
LO5 Design controllers to modify the response of negative feedback control loops to meet criteria using analytical and graphical methods in the time and Laplace domains.
LO6 Construct root loci and use them to evaluate the effect of parameter variation on system dynamics.
LO7 Design open and closed loop controllers for modeled systems using a numerical computational package.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Control Systems
The "systems" approach to analysis and design. Classification of systems. Open loop and closed loop control systems. Practical examples of control systems principles in engineering and other disciplines.
System Modelling
Modelling of Physical Systems: Zero, first and second order systems. Mechanical (Linear and Rotary); Pneumatic; Hydraulic; Liquid (level); Thermal; Electrical and Electronic.
System Representation
System Representation: Block Diagrams; Diagram Reduction; Transfer Function, Disturbance Inputs; Signal Flow Graph; Mason's Rule.
Time Domain Response
Standard test inputs (step, ramp, parabolic, impulse). Transient response; system order, response of zero, first and second order systems to standard test inputs; treatment of higher order systems. Steady state response; steady state errors; error coefficients.
Control Actions
On/Off; Proportional (P); Derivative (D); Integral (I). Review of P, PI, PD and PID Controllers and their application. Use of rate feedback and feedforward techniques. Simulation of systems using MATLAB and SIMULINK.
Stability
Open and Closed Loop Transfer Functions. Root location in s-plane and their effects on system performance. Routh Hurwitz Criterion
Root Locus
General principles of root locus construction. Rules for root locus plotting. Transient response from root locus, Dominant roots
Numerical computational packages
Scilab, XCOS, Matlab, Simulink
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
System modelling examination.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,3,5,7
Assessment Description
Using numerical computational packages to analyse transient and steady state response of modelled systems and to design open loop, on-off, and PID controllers to achieve control objectives.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Formal lecture Every Week 4.00 4
Lab Contact Computational modelling laboratory Every Month 0.50 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed learning Every Week 2.50 2.5
Total Hours 8.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.50
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Formal lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Learning Non Contact Computational Modelling Laboratory Every Month 0.50 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed learning Every Week 2.50 2.5
Total Hours 7.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 6.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Norman S. Nise. (2019), Control Systems Engineering, 8. [ISBN: 978-1-119-474].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Richard C. Dorf, Robert H. Bishop. (2016), Modern control systems, 13/E. Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J., p.1056 pp, [ISBN: 9780134407623].
  • Gene F. Franklin, J. David Powell, Abbas Emami-Naeini. (2015), Feedback control of dynamic systems, 7th. Pearson, Upper Saddle River [N.J.], p.928 pp, [ISBN: 9780133496598].
  • Jacqueline Wilkie, Michael Johnson and Reza Katebi. (2001), Control Engineering, Palgrave Macmillan, p.768, [ISBN: 9780333771297].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBIOM_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Biomedical Engineering 7 Elective
CR_EMECH_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering 5 Mandatory
CR_EMECE_9 Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 5 Mandatory