The fundamental principles (from electrical, electronic and mechanical systems) involved in the integration of Electrical/Electronic Engineering with Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering are developed upon to provide the basis for basic engineering system modelling and control. This module allows the learner to integrate their mathematical, electrical, electronic, and mechanical skills in the design and analysis of integrated engineering systems which generally consist of Mechanical/Electrical/Electronic/Hydraulic/Thermal elements. The importance of ensuring that engineering systems are adequately and efficiently controlled from the context of both performance and environmental impact is outlined. The mathematical and simulation tools implemented in the development stages of control solutions highlight the critical importance of analytical design methods (classical control theory).
| Classical Mechanics: Mechanics of Materials. Free vibration and free damped vibration analysis.
Material Science: Microstructures of Carbon Steels. Fast fracture and fracture toughness, metallurgical effects on fracture. Fatigue testing. Corrosion. Metal coating processes.
System Models: Review of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and thermal principles and development of the idea of mathematical modelling of a physical system. Using differential equations to model and predict the performance of simple systems.
Basic System Models: Mathematical models – Mechanical, Electrical, Fluid, Thermal building blocks. System models – Rotational & translational, Electromechanical and hydraulic-mechanical systems.
Dynamic Responses of Systems: Modelling, first and second order systems.
System Transfer Functions: First and second order, systems in series and systems with feedback loops.
Closed-Loop Controllers: One, two & three-step control, digital controllers, controller tuning.
Control Strategies: Evaluation and application of appropriate control strategies for open or closed loop of electro-mechanical systems.
Position/speed control of electrical machines.
Typical control strategies encountered in a modern manufacturing environment.
Laboratory Experiments (chosen from the following list):
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The material will be presented to the learners in the form of:
- Lectures of 1 Hour duration two times per week for 12 weeks.
- Laboratories of 2 Hour duration once every 2 weeks.
- Tutorials will be of 1 hour duration once a week for 12 weeks.
- A mini project is used to provide context and application for the learning delivered within the module.
- Industrial visits to appropriate locations may be used to reinforce the application driven nature of the material.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |