MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECH3005 - Automatic Control
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MECH3005
None
Automatic Control
3
0.5/7.5
September
June
Dr Ben Hanson (50%)
Dr Andrea Ducci(50%)
Module Coordinator
Prerequisites
Mathematics to second year undergraduate level to include significant experience of complex number
theory including their representation of sinusoids. Linear 1st and 2nd order ordinary differential equations;
their forms and solutions, including forcing function inputs.
Experience in dynamics and modelling of linear systems.
Course Aims
Provide students with instruction and experience in the following:
 Developing simplified (linear) models of real-world systems
 Analysing the performance of systems in the time domain and frequency domain
 Designing controllers to improve and/or stabilise the performance of systems
Method of Instruction
One-hour sessions twice-weekly through term time comprising lectures, tutorial (examples) classes, and
computer-based laboratory sessions.
Assessment
The course has the following assessment components:
 Written Examination (3 hours, 75%)
The examination rubric is: Answer 5 questions (from 8 offered), all questions carry equal weight.

Assignments:
1. Remote operation of a servo motor system, via internet-operated laboratory.
2. Matlab-based industrial cons ultancy case-study: design of vehicle suspension -testing facility.
Two further short assignments (25% combined)
To pass this course, students must:
 Obtain an overall pass mark of 40% for all sections combined
 Standard attendance and participation requirements apply.
Resources
There is no compulsory textbook but the following may be useful for reference:

“Modern Control Systems”, R C Dorf and R H Bishop, Prentice Hall, 9 th to 12th editions.

“Art of control Engineering” (1997). Dutton, K., Thompson, S. and Barraclough, B. Pub: AddisonWesley ISBN 0-201-17545-2.

“Schaum's outline of theory and problems of feedback and control systems” (1990). DiStefano III, J.J.,
Stubberud, A.R. and Williams I.J. Pub: McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0070170479. M.
Additional Information
None.
Content
1 Introduction, Modelling, Linearisation, Laplac e Trans forms. Examples of open and closed -loop cont rol
systems.
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2 Control specifications: Step response and Steady State Error. Pole Mapping, Routh-Hurwitz stability
criterion.
3 Root Locus methods: Angle & Magnit ude criteria, Roots on the real axis, Breakaway points,
Asymptotes, Pole placement controller design, stabilisation controllers.
4 Frequency Response Methods: Polar plots of 1st, 2nd order systems, Bode plots, Combini ng B ode
plots, System identification from the Bode plot.
5 Stability in the Frequency Domain: Nyquist stability criterion, Phase and Gain margins on polar and
Bode plots, M circles of closed loop magnitude.
6 Controller Design: Defining system performance requirements, Lead, Lag and PID cont roller design
from the frequency response and root locus.
7 Further Control Conc epts: Modelling nonlinearities using a describing function, pure delays, digital
control, state space methods.
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General Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Essential elements of control systems; theoretical analysis of linear time-invariant and frequency-invariant
control systems; modelling of mechanical and electromechanical system s; mathematical and analytical
tools for control systems design; an insight of the application of digital control in engineering systems.
Skills and Attributes
(i) Intellectual
Select and apply mathematical methods for modelling and analysing the response of linear time-invariant
and frequency-invariant control systems; solve engineering problems involving industrial control
applications.
(ii) Practical
Undertake a system identification experiment, collect and analyse the data in detail and effectively
communicate this procedure and the outcomes in a formal report; the use of MatLab in the simulation and
analysis of a control system.
(iii) Transferable
Model and analyse engineering systems; use technical data in the solution of engineering problems;
utilise control principles for real-world applications.
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