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Unit of Study MECH4004 - Control Systems and Automation (2023)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit description

Builds on the unit, Electro-Mechanical and Robotics Technology, and introduces students to the theory, tools and methodologies that underpin modelling, analysis and design in control systems engineering. Techniques include the use of differential equations, block diagrams, frequency domain methods, Root Locus and Bode plots. MATLAB is used as a simulation environment. Programmable logic controllers for industrial automation are addressed.

Unit content

1 Introduction to control system design 

2 The Laplace transform 

3 System modelling for electrical and mechanical systems 

4 Transient and steady state performance 

5 Root Locus       

6 Frequency Response 

Availabilities

Not currently available in 2023

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

understand the application of control and automation in mechanical engineering professional practice.

apply the concept of stability and its importance in systems analysis and control

form systems models of basic mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems

employ classical control system design methods in the design of feedback loops to achieve a specified dynamic behaviour from a system.