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Unit information: Dynamics and Control in 2021/22

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Dynamics and Control
Unit code MENG20004
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director Dr. Conn
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The unit introduces students to the basic methods of Automatic Control engineering, i.e. for continuous-time single-input/single-output linear systems, and to the methods of modelling associated plant dynamics, basic vibration phenomena, such as how vibration is caused, how it is measured, and what its consequences are. The single degree of freedom mass-spring-damper system is analysed, both in free vibration and with various forms of excitation. The importance of resonance and force transmission is stressed. Students should gain an understanding of natural frequencies and how these relate to free and forced vibration, together with vibration transmission. They will also learn about multi-degree of freedom systems in free and forced vibration and how to apply numerical methods of solution.

Aims:

To introduce students to the basic methodologies of modelling dynamic systems and controlling them. The methodology of using Laplace transforms to derive transfer functions is applied to learn how to design controllers for single-input-single-output dynamic systems.

Single degree of freedom mass-spring-damper systems are analysed, both in free vibration and with various forms of excitation. The importance of resonance and force transmission is stressed.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to:

  1. Derive equations to model the dynamics of one and two degree of freedom (DOF) systems
  2. Use Laplace Transforms to derive system transfer functions
  3. Classify and implement control strategies for single-input-single-output linear systems
  4. Identify and characterise natural frequencies and analyse how they relate to free and forced vibration, together with vibration transmission.
  5. Classify and derive equations to model multi-DOF systems in free and forced vibration and apply numerical methods of solution.

Teaching Information

Learning material including videos, notes and narrated lectures will be made available to the students online. These will include live online sessions led by teaching staff. Where possible, face to face activities may take place.

Assessment Information

The unit will be assessed using a single summative examination. Feedback will be provided to students via formative assessment elements during the year.

Resources

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. MENG20004).

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 Faculty 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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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