| Unit name | Dynamics and Control of Linear Systems |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CADE20002 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Brano Titurus |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Engineering Science (or equivalent), Engineering Mathematics 1 (or equivalent) |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
The disciplines of dynamics and control are integral to the performance of aircraft and spacecraft. This unit introduces students to vibration analysis of mechanical systems, as well as elementary aeroelasticity (the interaction between deformable structures and varying aerodynamic loads, which may result in destructive vibrations). Automatic feedback control is embedded in a wide range of applications, where a dynamic system is automatically controlled to achieve a task. Aerospace applications include the automated piloting of aircraft, control of aerodynamic surfaces in a fly-by-wire system, active flutter and gust response control, and the landing of reusable rockets.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The unit builds on dynamics concepts taught in the first-year Engineering Science and extends these to the analysis of vibration of mechanical and aeroelastic systems. The unit also builds on topics covered in Engineering Mathematics, including complex numbers, ordinary differential equations, and integral transforms (e.g. the Laplace transform). In turn, the unit provides a theoretical grounding to the applied feedback control used in the AVDASI 2 design-build-test activity and forms the basis for more advanced dynamics and control theories taught in later years.
An overview of content
Students will further develop their knowledge of engineering dynamics and its application in aerospace engineering, with a particular focus on vibrations and aeroelasticity. Using different methods, students will model and analyse basic vibration phenomena and properties of single and two-degree-of-freedom vibrating systems. The understanding of these fundamental concepts also introduces aeroelastic phenomena such as aircraft flutter. In parallel, students will be introduced to the analysis of linear systems, including the role of integral transforms, essential concepts and stability of automatic feedback control, and the design of single-input/single-output PID controllers.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will be able to analyse the dynamic characteristics of vibrating systems and employ basic automatic feedback control for aerospace applications, which forms an essential skillset for aerospace engineers.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, which include lectures, supported computer labs, drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative tasks include example sheets, a self-directed exercise on linear systems using a dedicated software library (Simulink), and a set of self-directed exercises on vibrating systems using a software application (Matlab).
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
[100%] – individual coursework report (ILO 1 - 6) AHEP 1, 2, 3
When assessment does not go to plan
A reassessment retains the same format as the original assessment.
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. CADE20002).
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 University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
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. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
