MEM 255: Introduction to Control

SUMMER TERM 2020-21 (202045)

Course Syllabus

Course syllabus and grading policy given below is not final, and is subjected to
change depending on the progress of class

Instructor Information:
Name: Ajmal Yousuff TA1: M. Bayram TA2: SF. Catpinar
Contact Info: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Office Hours: By apptmnt By apptmnt By apptmnt
Office:

Catalog Description:
Reviews basic mechanical systems, Laplace Transforms, Linear Algebra, and state-space representations;
introduces modeling of multi DOF mechanical and electrical systems, poles and zeros, sytam response
and characterization, stability analysis, Routh-Hurwitz technique, Bode plots, Nyquist plots, and
controllability and observability of systems.

College/Department: College of Engineering / Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics

Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Course Purpose within Program of Study: Required
Credits: 4 credits (3 hours lecture + 1 hour recitation, per week)

Prerequisites:
Differential Equations and Elementary Mechanical Systems

Textbook and On-line Resources:

Introduction to Control Systems, BC.Chang and H. Kwatny. https://store.cognella.com/82377-1B-009
ISBN-13: 978-1516535293; ISBN-10: 1516535294
Reference Text: Control Systems Engineering, Nise, 7th edition, J. Wiley and Sons. ISBN: 978-1-118-
17051-9 (paper); ISBN: 978-1-118-80082-9 (pdf); AVAILABLE in Drexel Library

Course Objectives:
To train the students in developing models of mechanical and electrical systems, and develop
methods to analyze these systems. Specifically, this course will educate students in
 Modeling mechanical and electrical system using Newton’s Law, Lagrangeab Priciple, and node
and loop laws.
 Characterizing system responses in both time and Laplace domains.
 Determining stability, and range of parameters to ensure it, using Routh-Hurwitz technique.
 Analyzing system responses using Frequency Response.
 Understanding controllability and observability of system.

Student Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course students will be able to:
 Develop mathematical models of mechanical and electromechanical systems in transfer
function and state-space domains
 Characterize the system responses in term of poles, zeros, and eigenvalues.
 Analyze system stability using Routh-Hurwitz technique.

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  Interpret Frequency responses to understand system responses.
 Determine controllability and observability of systems.

Lecture and Recitation Sections

Section CRN Time Room Leader
Lecture A 40204 TR 03:30-04:50 PM A. Yousuff
Recitation 001 40205 W 03:00-03:50 PM TBA
Recitation 003 40474 W 04:00-04:50 PM TBA
Recitation 004 40475 W 09:00-09:50 AM TBA

Assignments, Assessments, and Evaluations:

Graded Assignments and Learning Activities
There will be about 5 or 6 home works, each to be completed within a week’s time; two mid-term exams,
and a final team project. Several of the home works will involve usage of Matlab software. The Mid-Term
exams are likely to be open- book and notes exams; the Final Project will be a team (consisting of 4 or 5
members each) project.

Grading Matrix:
 Homework: 10%
 Mid-Term Exam 1: 25%
 Mid-Term Exam 2: 25%
 Final Project: 40% - Team project; report due during exam week. Plan accordingly!

Grade Scale:
Final grades will be based on the following scheme. (Subject to change)

Numerical Point Letter Numerical Score Used for Letter

Score Equivalent Equivalent Grades and Overall Grade
Calculations
90-100 4.00 A 90-100
80-90 3.00 B 80-90
70-80 2.00 C 70-80
60-70 1.00 D 60-70
< 60 0.00 F < 60

Course Schedule (Subject to change):

Week Topic Book Section

Reading
1 Introduction and review 1, 2.1-2.3
2 Mechanical Systems 4
3 Electromechanical systems 5
4.1 Characterization of response 2.4, 3
4.2 Mid-Term Exam
5 Interconnected Systems 6

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 6 Stability and Routh Technique
7 State Space representation 6.3-6.6.1
8.1 Controllability, observability
8.2 Mid-Term Exam
9 Frequency Response 2.5.4
10 Bode Plots 2.5.4
11 Exam week

Academic Center for Engineers – ACE tutoring center

 Location: Main 005, down the stairs in the Great Court of Main Building.
 Tutors: The specific availability periods for all tutors can be located on the ACE schedule.

Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Cheating:

All students are expected to abide by Drexel University’s Student Conduct and Community Standards and
Academic Integrity policy. Drexel defines cheating is an act or an attempted act of deception by which a
student seeks to misrepresent that he or she has mastered information on an academic exercise that
he/she has not mastered. Examples include, but are not limited to:
 Copying from another student’s test paper
 Allowing another student to copy from a test paper
 Unauthorized use of course textbook or other materials, such as a notebook to complete a test
or other assignment from the faculty member
 Collaborating on a test, quiz, or other project with any other person(s) without authorization
 Using or processing specifically prepared materials during a test such as notes, formula lists, notes
written on the students clothing, etc. that are not authorized
 Taking a test for someone else or permitting someone else to take a test for you
If an act of academic dishonesty is determined to have occurred, it will be reported to the MEM
Academic Advisors, and one of the following sanctions may be imposed:
• Reduction of the overall course grade
• A zero (0) for the assignment or exam
• Failing grade (F) for the entire course with the inability to withdraw, or
• Other action deemed appropriate by the faculty member, such as requiring the student to
re-take the exam or re-do an assignment
The decision of the faculty member and the department head shall be reported to the Office of Judicial
Affairs, which is responsible for maintaining student conduct records. The incident will result in an
official disciplinary record for the student, and the Office of Judicial Affairs may choose to levy other
sanctions. Please follow these links for a complete description of the University’s policies regarding
student conduct and academic integrity:
http://www.drexel.edu/studentlife/community_standards/overview/
http://www.drexel.edu/provost/policies/academic_dishonesty.asp

Add/Drop and Withdraw Policies:

June 25 is the last day to Add/Drop a course with Academic Advisor assistance, and June 27 is the last
day to Add/Drop a course via DrexelOne. August 06 is the last day to withdraw from a course with
Academic Advisor assistance. Please refer to the following links for information regarding dropping or
withdrawing from this (or any other) course.
Add/Drop - http://drexel.edu/provost/policies/course-add-drop/
Withdrawal - http://drexel.edu/provost/policies/course-withdrawal/

Students with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities requesting accommodations and services at Drexel University need to present
a current accommodation verification letter (AVL) to faculty before accommodations can be made. AVL’s
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are issued by the Office of Disability Resource (ODR). For additional information, contact ODR at 3201
Arch Street, Suite 210. 215-895-1401 (Voice), or 215-895-2299 (TTY).
http://www.drexel.edu/oed/disabilityResources/

Course and Syllabus Changes

While every attempt has been made to make this syllabus complete and accurate, the instructors
reserve the right to change the policies, schedule, or course material as necessary. Students will be
notified of any changes in a timely manner.

Contribution to Professional Component

Contributes to toward the 4th and final years of engineering topics appropriate to developing the ability
to work with satellites and space vehicles motion in space around planetary objects. It prepares students
for classes in space exploration missions.

Relationship to Program Outcomes:

Outcomes 1-7 Content Emphasis (0-5)
1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems 5
by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet 2
specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as
well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. 1
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in 0
engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider
the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and
societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together 1
provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment,
establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze 1
and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using 4
appropriate learning strategies.