Module Details

Module Code: MECH8001
Title: Control Eng. and Automation
Long Title: Control Eng. and Automation
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: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is organised around the concept of control systems theory as it has been developed in the frequency domain. It provides coverage of classical control, frequency and response design using Bode and Nyquist plots. The application to Process control is included. Digital and non linear methods are examined. Incorporates computer-aided design and analysis using Matlab and Simulink.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Interpret the open loop frequency response with regard to stability and performance using graphical methods such as the Bode and Nyquist plot.
LO2 Design controllers to meet desired specifications using frequency response methods.
LO3 Analyse certain non-linear systems using describing functions.
LO4 Investigate sampled-data systems and discrete time models by means of root loci and Bode plots using the open and closed loop transfer functions in the Z-domain.
LO5 Evaluate various process control strategies for the safe and efficient operation of various process applications (e.g. level, pressure, flow and temperature control).
LO6 Select amongst graphical, written, computer simulation and mathematical models the most appropriate methods to aid the design and communicate the preformance characteristics of various dynamic systems.
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).
It is highly recommended that students wishing to study this module have completed System Dynamics and Control Engineering
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
Frequency Response
Open Loop & Closed Loop Frequency Response. Bode Diagrams, Gain Margin & Phase Margin. Nyquist Stability Criterion, Nyquist Plots, M Circles, N Circles, Nichols Chart, Resonant frequency, bandwidth. Correlation with step response. Dead-time effects.
Control System Design
Compensator design: lead, lag, lead-lag. Feedback compensation, rate feedback. Feedforward techniques, cascade control. Pseudo-derivative feedback. PID Controller Tuning, Ziegler Nichols Method, Self Tuning Controllers. Application to servo systems and process control. Computer Simulation.
Non-Linear Control Systems
Non-linear behaviour; common non-linearities. Describing Function Analysis. Stability of Limit Cycles.
Process Control Systems
Process Plant Design: Process Flow Diagrams and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams. Terminology and System Representation (ISA). Process Controllers, Signal Transmission, Control Valve Selection. Cascade, Feedforward and Ratio Control. Application to pressure, flow, level, temperature and combustion processes. Dead Time Compensation, Smith Predictor. Inverse Dynamic Response.
Digital Control Systems:
System Hardware: Microprocessors, A/D and D/A converters. Sampling and Data Reconstruction. Ideal Sampler, Starred Transform. Z-Transforms and Z-Transfer Functions. Dynamic Behaviour and the Z-Plane. Digital Filter Design: Direct Method and Continuous System Design Method. Bilinear Transform, Routh-Hurwitz Criterion, Frequency Response. Digital Controller Algorithms.
Dynamic simulation
Simulation of systems using Matlab and 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 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Mid-Term Assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 6
Assessment Description
Dynamic systems simulation and evaluation
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
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 lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Dynamic simulation lab Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Directed Learning Non Contact Dymanic simulation lab Every Month 0.75 3
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.25 3.25
Total Hours 9.25
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Richard C Dorf, Robert H Bishop. (2016), Modern Control Systems, 13/E. Prentice Hall, p.1056 pp, [ISBN: 9780134407623].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Gene Franklin, .D. Powell, Abbas Emami-Naeini. (2015), Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, 7th. Prentice Hall, p.928 pp, [ISBN: 978013349659].
  • Myke King. (2016), Process Control: A Practical Approach, 2nd. Wiley, p.592, [ISBN: 978-1-119-15].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EMECH_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering 8 Mandatory
CR_EMECE_9 Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 8 Mandatory