CONTROL - 2023/4
Module code: ENG2123
Module Overview
Second year common module in control for MES students.
Control in its application spans across all areas of engineering and beyond. This module provides fundamentals of linear, time-invariant control system analysis in both time and Laplace domain, as well as respective controller design.
Module provider
Mechanical Engineering Sciences
Module Leader
MONTANARO Umberto (Mech Eng Sci)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 5
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 73
Lecture Hours: 33
Tutorial Hours: 11
Captured Content: 33
Module Availability
Semester 2
Module content
Indicative content includes:
Introduction: terminology, the concept of control, the feedback control mechanism, selected dynamic models of mechanical, electrical and process systems;
Laplace transform: definition, derivation of simple Laplace Transforms; operational properties, inverse Laplace Transform; first shift theorem, unit step functions, second shift theorem; application to solution of systems of linear differential equations. Impulse function, transform of period functions, convolution theorem;
Process modelling: Concept, the transfer function and its characteristics, the system response from the transfer function, the block diagram and system simplification;
Linear system analysis in the time domain: Response of the first-order system, steady-state error, response of the second order system, system response versus pole location, response of the time-delayed systems;
Design of control systems in time domain: Closed loop vs. open loop systems, general requirements of control systems, automatic controllers (P, PI, PD and PID), tuning of PID controllers;
Sensors and actuators: Sensors, actuators, sensors in control systems, actuators in control systems;
Frequency domain analysis: Concept, frequency response, Bode diagram representation, the first-order system, the second-order system, characteristics of bode plot, bode plot of the transfer functions with zeros.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Online Scheduled Summative Class Test | Online Test (1 hour) | 20 |
| Examination | Closed Book Exam (2 hours) | 80 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:
understanding of scientific principles, methodologies and mathematical methods associated with control systems as well as the ability to analyse and design particular systems in the final examination. The inter-semester test amplifies awareness and ability to devise control concept and to analyse systems from their response.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- In-semester test [Learning outcomes 2, 3]
- Examination [Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5]
Formative assessment and feedback
- Formative verbal feedback is given in tutorials.
Module aims
- A systematic understanding and critical awareness of the importance of control in engineering;
- A knowledge of dynamic system analysis;
- A knowledge of the techniques used to design linear and time-invariant control systems;
- An understanding of transform methods for solving engineering problems.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to: provide, identify and compose: the specification of the dynamics and control requirements of systems; the general concept, the types and the structure of control hardware; | K |
| 002 | Effectively interpret and employ definitions of common terms including feed-forward, feedback, linear and non-linear models, and time and Laplace domain; | KP |
| 003 | Select and use appropriate Laplace Transform techniques and results in solving control problems and initial value engineering problems; | K |
| 004 | Formulate simple dynamic models rigorously, tune a controller using simple rules, employ Laplace transform and represent dynamics as block diagrams; | C |
| 005 | Recognise the importance and relevance of process dynamics and control, especially the behaviour of linear, time-invariant and single loop feedback systems. | PT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Introduce principles of control systems analysis and design through theory and worked examples. This is mainly delivered through captured content lectures and tutorial classes with independently worked out examples.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Tutorials (in groups)
- Lectures
- Captured content
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG2123
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Engineering (Dual degree with HIT) BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Engineering MEng | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Automotive Engineering MEng | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Aerospace Engineering MEng | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Mechanical Engineering MEng | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.