Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Control systems engineering is at the heart of most of the modern mechanical and electrical systems that you will encounter in your careers as practicing engineers. The unit provides theoretical and practical understanding of control systems to enable you to better apply and design engineering technologies. The unit is introduced in the third year of the course, where you have sufficient mathematical and analysis skills to understand the theory and to apply the theory in practice. Knowledge of ENB211 Dynamics and ENB312 Dynamics of Machinery is assumed.

Aims

The unit introduces the formal techniques that underpin all of modern control systems engineering. After completing this unit, you will be able to model simple dynamic systems, apply control systems engineering theory and to design feedback control systems.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will be able to:
1. Develop mathematical models of mechanical, electrical and electromechanical systems.
2. Calculate and estimate the stability measures, error measures and time response measures from the analysis of mathematical models of some simple engineering systems.
3. Design and report the development of practical controllers and compensators in feedback control systems to achieve the desired behaviour.

Content

Introduction to control systems; Modelling of mechanical, electrical and electromechanical systems: Use of MATLAB for control systems: Time response of control systems: Reduction of inter-connected systems: Stability in control systems and steady state errors; Root Locus technique of analysis and design of control systems.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Mode of Teaching
Total hours per week: 5
Lectures: 2
Tutorials: 1
Laboratory: 2 (this includes computer laboratory)

The teaching of control systems engineering requires a careful blend of theory and practice. The unit needs to introduce several new principles and theories that are unfamiliar to you. Each principle requires repeated engagement from different perspectives for you to gain sufficient understanding to apply the theory in appropriate practice. The unit uses a three-pronged approach to engaging you with the principles of control systems engineering:

1. Interactive lectures: Lectures are used to provide an introduction to material, and immediate application of the material with small focussed problems to be completed in the lecture. Solutions are discussed and resolved in class, and compared to a benchmark solution. Principles are introduced, discussed and dissected in the lecture, treating each principle deeply.

2. Single problem tutorials: Tutorials focus on a single integrated problem that brings together material from multiple units. Early material is reinforced as necessary, and used as a foundation for learning the new material. Principles are integrated with material from previous modules and grounded in application scenarios.

3. Scaffolded project: Practical work is conducted as a series of scaffolded experiments which centre on a single project - the feedback control of a small electric motor. The practicals follow the repeated case study used in the textbook, which is also about the feedback control of a (much larger) motor. The practicals have a small equipment footprint, and are designed to work with existing lab benches. You can perform the practicals regularly and in sync with the theoretical work in lectures and tutorials. You work with a partner (group of 2) in this project for supportive learning and peer interaction.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on practical performance (40%) and theory performance (60%). Practical performance will be based on practical work books that you prepare before laboratory experiments are conducted, fill out while the experiments are performed, and are assessed at the end of the semester. The theory performance is assessed in a class quiz in the middle of semester, and in the final exam. Both theory tests use multi-part integrated questions that require synthesis and application of knowledge across multiple modules. The quiz and exam are open book to increase emphasis on understanding rather than memorisation.You are given weekly integrated theory problems in the tutorials which will allow self-assessment of performance and formative assessment by tutorial staff. Practical performance will be self-assessed against performance timelines and benchmarks for practical work, and further formative assessment by practical demonstrators. The mid-semester quiz gives you unequivocal feedback on your understanding of the critical early modules of the unit, before moving on to more advanced material.

Assessment name: Control Systems Project
Description: In a group of four, you will design a control system for an electric motor. This 3 stage project continues throughout the semester in a series of scaffolded experiments recorded in the group's lab book and signed off by your prac tutor after each practical. In addition you will also perform a remote experiment on the control of a hydraulic system (subject to availability). This experiment also involves some design work to determine the parameters for the controller, before performing the experiment. The experiment must also be recorded in your lab book.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 3.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Week 13.

Assessment name: Open Book Class quiz
Description: The open book quiz (conducted in the lecture) consists of a single integrated problem requiring the development of a model for an electromechanical system and an estimation of its time response.
Relates to objectives: 1.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7.

Assessment name: Final Examination
Description: The exam will consist of a multi-part, integrated problem requiring the development of a mathematical model for an electromechanical system, and a control system design to create a desired behaviour for the system. The exam is open book.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 3.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination period.

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Textbook: Norman S. Nise, Control Systems Engineering, Fifth Edition, John Wiley, 2008.

Computer software: MATLAB, MATLAB Control Systems Toolbox

Project: Small motor platform, prototyping board, electronic components, electronics workbench (power supply, oscilloscope, function generator).

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of the lecturer and technical staff of the School. In any laboratory practicals you will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. closed shoes).
You will undergo a health and safety induction before the commencement of the practical sessions and will be issued with a safety induction card. If you do not have a safety induction card you will be denied access to laboratories.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 20-Sep-2012