Syllabus

AEM 4321

Automatic Control Systems

3 Credits

 

Catalog Description:

 

Modeling, characteristics, and performance of feedback control systems. Stability, root locus, frequency response methods. Nyquist/Bode diagrams. Lead-lag, PID compensators. Digital implementation, hardware considerations.

 

Course Web Address:

 

http://www.aem.umn.edu/courses/aem4321/

 

Prerequisites by Topic:

 

1. CSE upper div or grad student

 

Text:

 

Changes depending on instructor

 

Format of Course: 

 

3 hours of lecture per week

 

Computer Usage:

 

MATLAB

 

Course Objectives:

 

Develop an understanding of the elements of classical control theory as applied to the control of aircraft and spacecraft. In particular, to understand: the concept of feedback and its properties; the concept of stability and stability margins; and the different tools that can be used to analyze the previous properties. Finally gain a working knowledge of the basic linear design techniques, with applications to spacecraft and aircraft.

 

Course Outcomes:

 

1. An ability to use the analysis and design tools of classical linear control in homework problems.
2. An ability to use modern computer tools such as MATLAB.

 

Relationship of course to program objectives:

 

This course provides a detailed understanding of classical control theory with aerospace applications.  It introduces essential tools and problem solving techniques for students going into aerospace controls and helps produce graduates who can apply their knowledge to achieve success in industry and/or in graduate level work.

 

Relationship of course to student outcomes:

 

This course supports the following student outcomes:

 

1.      An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.

2.      An ability to apply the engineering design process to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration for public health and safety, and global, cultural, social, environmental, economic, and other factors as appropriate to the discipline.

 

Outcome Measurement

 

This course is not used to directly measure any of the student outcomes.

 

 

Course Outline:

 

Lectures (Hrs, approx.)	Topics
1	Intro: Motivation and examples of control systems. Block Diagrams.
3	Modeling: Modeling with ordinary differential equations, linear superposition, equilibrium points, linearization, transfer function and state-space models.
6	System Response: Numerical simulation, free (initial condition) response, forced response, stability, first and second order step response, higher order systems, effect of poles and zeros.
8	PID Control: Control design issues, open loop control, proportional control, proportional-integral control, proportional-derivative control, proportional-integral-derivative control, control law implementation.
7	Frequency Response: Steady-state sinusoidal response, signal frequency content, Bode plots, system identification.
6	Frequency Domain Control Design: Interconnections of systems, stability of feedback systems, frequency domain performance specifications, loopshaping design.
9	Robustness Margins: Gain/phase/delay margins, Bode gain/phase formula, lead control, Nyquist plots, basic loopshaping theorem.

 

 

Student Survey Questions:

 

In this course, I acquired the following:

 

1.      Knowledge of stability and control.

2.      A basic knowledge of control applied to aerospace systems.

3.      A knowledge and basic ability to use MATLAB.

 

Please answer the following questions regarding the course:

 

4.      The textbook was clearly written and appropriate for the course.

5.      The homework helped me understand the concepts presented in the course.

6.      The tests were appropriate in length and content.

7.      The level of work required for this course was appropriate for the credit given.

 

 

Last modified:

 

2018-11-16