Control Systems and Engineering

• What is the focus of the Systems & Control course?

  Understanding and designing control systems
• What is the first step in the Systems & Control process?

  Modelling the system
• What is done after modelling the system?

  Analyse the system
• What is the purpose of designing a controller?

  To change how the system behaves
• What are State Space Methods used for?

  To analyze control systems
• What are Classical Control techniques also known as?

  Frequency Domain Techniques
• Why have Classical Control methods been predominant?

  They form a common understanding and vocabulary
• What are Modern Control techniques also known as?

  Time Domain Techniques
• What advantage do Modern Control techniques offer?

  They are more usable in some fields
• What is a Transfer Function?

  A mathematical equation representing a system
• What properties can be determined using a mathematical model?

  Stability, time response, and steady-state error
• What is the most common type of controller?

  PID controller
• Why is it important to study Control Engineering?

  • Shortage of Control Engineers
  • Perceived as difficult and mathematical
  • Can save companies millions
  • Higher graduate salaries for students
  • Fun and stable career opportunities
• What does Control do in engineering terms?

  Alters the dynamics to achieve desired outcomes
• What is Dynamics in engineering?

  Systems that change with respect to time
• Why is System Modelling important?

  It is a precursor to Control
• What is the goal of Control in terms of movement?

  To change movement to a more desirable one
• What areas of knowledge are needed for Control Engineering?

  • Understanding the moving object (mechanical, civil, etc.)
  • Knowledge of how to move it (electrical, fluid, etc.)
  • Comprehension of complexity (applied maths, materials, etc.)
• What are some fields where Control Engineering is applied?

  • Aerospace
  • Medical
  • Defense Systems
  • Automotive
  • Manufacturing
  • Consumer Products
  • Materials Processing

  
• What are the types of systems involved in Control Engineering?

  • Control Systems
  • Electronic Systems
  • Mechanical Systems
  • Computers
  • Mechatronics
• What are some components of Control Engineering?

  • Control Electronics
  • Electro-mechanics
  • Mechanical CAD
  • Digital Control
• What is the purpose of control in a system?

  To adjust the system for desired output
• How can we change the physical properties of a system?

  By adding mass and dampers to structures
• What can be modified in a system's input and output?

  Active dampers on bridges or helicopters
• What do signals represent in a system?

  Signals are represented as arrows
• How are systems represented in block diagrams?

  Systems are represented as blocks
• What happens when we connect the output to the input of a system?

  It creates feedback in the system
• What is positive feedback in a system?

  It increases the input continuously
• What is negative feedback in a system?

  It reduces the difference between input and output
• What does the Watt Governor do in a system?

  Operates a valve based on output speed
• What is the significance of feedback loops in control systems?

  They can be positive or negative
• Why is careful design important for controllers in feedback systems?

  To prevent failure in controlling the system
• What is the difference between open loop and closed loop systems?

  Closed loop systems have feedback; open do not
• What is the control workflow in this course?

  • Model the system using equations
  • Analyze the model for stability
  • Simulate and animate the system
  • Apply standard controllers and calculate parameters
• What approaches will be covered in this course?

  Classical and Modern (State Space) approaches
• What is the Lumped Parameter Approach in system modeling?

  Everything is comprised of masses, springs, and dampers
• What does the Rigid Body Assumption imply in mechanics?

  Forces can be summed about a rigid body
• What standard equations are used in mechanical systems?

  Equations for inertia, spring, and damper forces

  
• What is the process to model any mechanical system?

  • Create a schematic
  • Draw a Free Body Diagram
  • Use standard Newtonian equations
• How do we think of electrical circuits in terms of parameters?

  In a 'lumped parameter' way