Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

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

Rationale

The application of classical control theory to aircraft autopilot design is fundamental knowledge to be learnt by future aerospace avionics engineers. Also, modern aircraft and spacecraft rely on control and estimation systems for proper navigation, attitude hold, maintenance, and engine operation. Modern controllers rely on discrete time signals and are usually designed from a state space perspective where the system can be modelled as comprising many states with multiple inputs and outputs. In order for the graduate working in the aerospace sector to fully understand such controllers it is necessary to build on the material learned on classical control covered in ENB348 and introduce deterministic and stochastic and state space methods of control and estimation.

Aims

This unit introduces students to the application of classical and modern control theory to aircraft autopilot design. The use of modern control techniques, specifically state space and discrete time techniques, provide students with distinctly aerospace applications of these. The students should have practical experience in the implementation of these control techniques. The student will also have an appreciation for the use of testing and simulation in the design of flight control systems.

Objectives

At the end of this unit you should be able to:

1. Design and realize the application of classical and modern control theory to aircraft autopilot design
2. Design and realize continuous and discrete-time control systems
3. Understand the correspondence between continuous time controller design and discrete time controller design and appreciate the problems which arise with discrete time controllers.

Content

Introduction and application of classical control theory to aircraft autopilot design 1
Application of classical control theory to aircraft autopilot design 2
Discrete time control
State space methods
Deterministic state space systems
State-space control and state-space estimation
Stochastic state space systems
Optimal control
Optimal estimation

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Contact hours for Lectures: 3 hours per week,
Contact hours for Tutorials: 2 hour per week


Lectures will be held on a weekly basis and students will be expected to actively engage in library/internet searches for supplementary information. This is a highly technical unit and an emphasis will be put on the solution of technical problems and the knowledge required to solve these problems. Simulation techniques will be taught where applicable, particularly using MATLAB. The lectures will be based on industry practice and experience and these will be underpinned by demonstrations, reading and the application of knowledge to solving problems. Tutorial sessions will involve individual questioning as well as group work and student-centred learning rather than guided problem solving, with feedback coming from the whole group. This will enhance the group nature of systems design.

Assessment

There are three assignments and one final exam.20% feedback will be given by week 9

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Part a) This assignment is based on the understanding of classical control. This first part consists of modelling a system by deriving the continuous-time linear state space equations, and analysing the system by evaluating the pure pitching and pure rolling motion, and then using classical control methods to design a classical PID (proportional, integral, differential) controller for both the pure pitching and pure rolling motion state space models; This is a group assignment for 3-4 students.
Part b) This part extends on the previous assignment part (1a) and
focuses on modern control systems and practical implementation issues.
In this part, the aim is to design a controller, using state space
methods, develop sensor and actuator models as well as and develop a
state observer to estimate the system states
Part c) In the previous assignment part (1a) a dynamic model was investigated and the dynamic equations were used to generate a state-space model. In part (1b), servos and sensors were
investigated and their effect on state space controllers were analysed.
This assignment extends on the previous two parts (1a and 1b),
focusing on the design of optimal control systems and understanding of
linear quadratic regulators for the model.
Assessment = Part a) 15%, Part b) 20%, part c) 15%
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 6, 10, 13

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: 2 hour written examination with questions based on knowledge of materials covered in lectures
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3
Weight: 50%
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

Type: Reference Book
Author: Nelson R.
Title: Flight Stability & Control
Year: Publisher: 1998, McGraw Hill

Type: Reference Book
Author: Ogata, K.
Title: Discrete-Time Control Systems
Year: Publisher: 1995, Prentice Hall

Type: Reference Book
Author: Ogata, K.
Title: Solving Control Engineering Problems with MATLAB
Year: Publisher: 1994, Prentice Hall

Type: Reference Book
Author: Brogan, W.L.
Title: Modern Control Theory
Year: Publisher: 1991, Prentice Hall

Type: Reference Book
Author: Kuo, B.C.
Title: Automatic Control Systems
Year: Publisher: 1991, Prentice Hall


On-Line: QUT Blackboard

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 or steel capped 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: 22-Jun-2012