Module Descriptors
APPLICATIONS OF CONTROL
MECH50190
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Peter Ogrodnik
Email: P.J.Ogrodnik@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • ASSIGNMENT weighted at 50%
  • EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
2 hours lectures / tutorials each week. The tutorials will include teaching on how to use a computer based control simulation package.
2 x 3 hours laboratory which will complement the assignment.
(1:n) (1:20)
Module Additional Assessment Details
An assignment weighted at 50% based on design exercise and practical measurement (3000 words) assessing Learning Outcomes 2 and 3.
An exam, length 1.5 hours weighted at 50% assessing Learning Outcome 1

Module Indicative Content
Modelling of typical elements of a servo mechanism (motor, gearbox, amplifier and sensors) and block diagram representation of systems.
Open and closed loop simplification.
Transfer function analysis of transient and steady state response.
S-plane and frequency response analysis, gain and phase margins.
How PID control improves the response of a system.
Digital implementation of a control system and examination of parameters that affect response (sampling rate, aliasing, pre-filtering and quantisation).
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.
Module Resources
Control laboratory facilities
Computer control packages
Module Texts
N.Nise, Control Systems Engineering, 4th Ed, Wiley, 2004, ISBN 0-471-45243-2
W. Bolton, Instrumentation and Control systems, Newnes, 2004, ISBN 0750664320
M.Hargreaves, Engineering Systems-Modelling and Control, Longman 1996, ISBN 0-582-23419-0