MECH202P – Control and Instrumentation
UCL Credits/ECTS: 0.5/7.5
Prerequisites: ENGS101P Integrated Engineering
ENGS103P Mathematical Modelling and Analysis I
Summary of course contents:
Modelling Dynamic Systems
Time-response (“dynamics”) of first- and second-order systems: including examples of
electrical filters used to reduce ripple & electrical noise.
Ordinary differential equations (ODE), to complement (not duplicate) the Mechanics of Solids
and core IEP modelling & analysis syllabus.
Mass-spring-damper systems and the concepts of resonance.
Instrumentation
Measures of strain (strain gauge), displacement (optical encoder, LVDT, possibly hall-effect
sensor), force, velocity, temperature.
Control and Electrical Power
Introduction to control. Open- and closed-loop control representation, emphasising open
loop = “model-based predictive control”. Examples of regulation, including cruise control
(speed), temperature control.
Feedback, and the general structure of a control loop.
Electric motor types, including impedance.
Method of delivery:
Whole-class lectures will be used to present standard theories of control, dynamics &
instrumentation, using examples from a range of industries and research fields to
demonstrate their applicability.
Students will be challenged to conduct self-led investigation of electrical machines and
control in real-world applications.
Laboratory sessions will give students hands-on experience with dynamic mechanism and
examples of instrumentation and measurement. These will be in small groups of no more
than 6 students.
Online e-resources will be used to support learning objectives.
Module aims:
To provide students with an understanding of the tools & techniques required to interface
between mechanical components and the wider world, involving sensing, actuation (e.g.
motors) modelling and control.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
Following successful completion of this course, students would be able to:
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Create linear analytical models of dynamic systems and solve them to identify the
response of those systems to a range of inputs.
Select appropriate sensors which may be required to interface between a mechanical
system and its application (e.g. displacement sensor).
Identify the important components of a control loop, and choose a general control
strategy.
Analyse a range of electrical power machines and identify their suitability for applications.
Assessment:
The course will have the following assessment components:
Examination (2 hours, 50%)
Lab participation and coursework (50%)
To pass this course students must:
Obtain an overall pass mark of 40% for all sections combined.
PLEASE NOTE: This information is given in good faith but accuracy cannot be guaranteed.