| Unit name | Multivariable and Nonlinear Control |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MENGM0067 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Harrison |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Engineering Mathematics 1 & 2: (EMAT10100, EMAT20200), Engineering Science (MENG10004), Dynamics and Control (MENG20004) or equivalent knowledge |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why this unit is important
Many real-world plants have multiple, cross-coupled inputs and output, and exhibit nonlinear or time-varying behaviour.
This unit introduces the theoretical tools required to control such plants, which are then implemented and explored via coursework.
How this unit fits into your programme of study
This optional unit builds on the dynamics and single-input-single-output control theory from the previous year, and is suitable for students wishing to improve their understanding of, and confidence in, tackling real-world dynamics and control tasks.
An overview of content
The unit consists of two theoretical components (multivariable and nonlinear control) plus a practical one (implementing control of a simple robotic manipulator, via simulation and/or physically).
Multivariable control relies heavily on matrix-based formulations of the system. This approach readily expands to allow control of systems with arbitrarily large numbers of inputs and outputs.
Nonlinear control describes typical sources of system nonlinearities and introduces some commonly used techniques for their analysis and control.
The practical component of the unit will require students to work in small groups, implementing the above concepts and prior pertinent knowledge as appropriate to control the trajectory of a robotic manipulator. Example tasks could be to draw a specified shape, or a pick-and-place activity. This will be carried out in simulation and/or physically. Some knowledge of programming will be assumed. The grade awarded will be determined by factors such as the speed and accuracy with which the tasks are achieved, and the actuator energy consumed.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will be able to understand and contribute towards the analysis and control of a wider range of systems.
They will have increased exposure to a mathematically rigorous systems-based way of thinking.
Their modelling and practical skills will improve.
Learning Outcomes
Referring to the Bristol Skills Framework: this unit will increase students’ subject matter expertise and application of knowledge within the scope of the unit. It will also add to their experience of collaborative working.
Knowledge and Comprehension will be improved via the in-person and online lectures; Application, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation will be indispensable to the coursework.
More specifically: Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:
The academic content will be delivered via a mixture of in-person lectures and asynchronous content available online.
Students will be supported in the development of their coursework via timetabled laboratory-based sessions.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Single summative group coursework (100%)
When assessment does not go to plan
Students who are required to take a re-assessment (which is entirely by coursework) will be given an individual task similar to the original assessment. Where physical laboratory-based work becomes impractical, numerical simulation may be specified by the unit director.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MENGM0067).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
