Rico A.R. Picone, PhD Courses

ME 370 System Dynamics and Control

a syllabus

Course description

This course is an introduction to the mathematical modeling and control of systems of electrical, mechanical, fluid, thermal, and inter-domain (e.g., electromechanical) elements. A system dynamical approach is used, which allows different energy domains to be modeled within a unified framework. Analysis includes the time domain and frequency domain. Feedback control systems are introduced. (Adapted from the course catalog.)

General information

Times
MW 1:30–2:50 pm
Location
CH 101
Moodle
ME 370 Moodle
Actual office hours (CH 103C)
M 4–5, T 3–5, Th 3–5
Virtual office hours (zoom, make appointment!)
By appointment
Office hours appointments
make appointment

Discord

Everyone is required to join the messaging service called “Discord.” We’ll use it to communicate with each other during the semester. The Discord server you need to join is called drico. That’s a signup link. Be sure to join the channel #370.

Textbooks

(RW) Derek Rowell and David N. Wormley. System Dynamics: An Introduction. Prentice Hall, 1997. (Required.)

Homebrew texts and notes

Partial texts (with fill-ins) I’m writing will be posted on the Dynamic Systems (henceforth: Dy) and Control: an introduction (henceforth: Co) pages.

These texts are being constantly revised, so you have two printing options I recommend (both in color!):

  1. Print it yourself.
  2. Have the SMU Computer Resource Center print it as a course note pack.

In either case, you are required to have a binder (or equivalent) with Dynamic Systems Chapter 05 lti ready to show by our second class to avoid a 10% deduction on your first assignment grade. (Or you can show me those lectures on your note-taking tablet, if that’s your preferred method.)

Throughout the semester, you should be ready to show these (current) in any class, with threat of a 10% assignment grade deduction for that week.

Supplemental Video Lectures

In addition to live lectures, the Schedule will have links to supplemental videos, mostly recordings from past terms. Those lectures and examples that we will not cover in class will have links.

The videos from past terms are all available on YouTube. Here is the primary playlist for this course:

The first is the Dynamic Systems playlist.

The second is the Control Systems I playlist, of which we will only watch a few lectures, toward the end of the course.

Schedule

The following schedule is tentative. Those lectures and examples that we will not cover in class have links to recorded videos.

Day Lectures Week Reading Due
+ Course introduction and syllabus 1 RW Ch 8
5 LTI System Properties
5.1 Superposition, Derivative, and Integral Properties
5.2 Equilibrium and Stability Properties
5.3 Vibration isolation table analysis
5.4 When gravity ghosts you
First order superposition example
6 Qualities of Transient Response
6.1 Characteristic Transient Response
6.2 First-Order Systems in Transient Response 		2 RW Ch 9 Ass. 1
6.3 Second-Order Systems in Transient Response
Second-Order System Example
7 State-Space Response
7.1 Solving for the State-Space Response
7.2 Linear Algebraic Eigenproblem
Linear Algebraic Eigenproblem Example 		3 RW Ch 10 Ass. 2
7.3 Computing Eigendecompositions
7.4 Diagonalizing Basis
Diag. Basis Free Response Example
7.5 A Vibration Example
7.6 Analytic and Numerical Responses Example
7.7 Simulating State Space 		4 RW Ch 4+6 Ass. 3
8 Lumped-Parameter Modeling Fluid and Thermal Systems
8.1 Fluid System Elements
8.2 Thermal System Elements
8.3 Fluid Transducer Example
Fluid Transducer Example (cont.) 		5 RW Ch 15 Ass. 4
9 Fourier Series and Transforms
9.1 Fourier Series
9.2 Complex Fourier Series Exa.
9.3 Fourier Transform
9.4 Discrete Fourier Transform 		6 RW Ch 15
Midterm exam 1 (time response + thermofluid)
TBA 7 RW Ch 15 Ass. 5
10 Frequency Response 10.1 Frequency and Impulse Response
10.2 Sinusoidal Input, Frequency Response 8 RW Ch 14 Ass. 6
10.3 Bode Plots
10.4 Bode Plots for Simple Transfer Functions
10.5 Sketching Bode Plots
Bode Plot Sketch Example
Another Bode Sketch Example 		9 RW Ch 14
10.6 Periodic input, frequency response
11 Laplace Transforms
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Laplace Transform and Its Inverse
11.3 Laplace Transform Properties 		10 Ass. 7
11.4 Inverse Laplace Transforming
11.5 Solving ODEs with Laplace transforms
12 Transfer Functions
12.1 Poles and Zeros 		11 Ass. 8
12.2 Exploring Transfer Functions in Python
13 Impedance-Based Modeling
13.1 Input Impedance and Admittance
13.2 Impedance with Two-Port Elements
13.3 Transfer Functions via Impedance 		12 RW Ch 13
13.4 Impedance Modeling in Python
13.5 Norton's and Thevenin's theorems
13.6 The Divider Method
14 Nonlinear Systems and Linearization
14.1 Linearization 		13 Ass. 9
14.2 Nonlinear System Characteristics
16.1 Nonlinear Systems in Python
Midterm exam 2 (Fourier + Laplace) 14
Control Notes
1 Introduction to Control Systems
1.1 Control System Performance
1.2 Feedback Control System Block Diagrams
1.3 PID Control Introduction
PID Controller Design Example 		15 Ass. 10
1.4 Interactive PID Controller Design
No final exam! 16 Ass. 11

Homework and exam policies

Homework policies

Weekly homework will be due on Friday of the week it is shown on the schedule, but it needn’t be turned in until Sunday night. Before it is turned in, you will correct it based on the solution posted Friday. Check off the problems you have completed and corrected in the grading checklist on Moodle.

Working in groups on homework is strongly encouraged, but what you turn in should be your own work.

Exam policies

The exams will be take-home. If you require any specific accommodations, please contact me.

No exam may be taken early. Makeup exams require a doctor’s note excusing the absence during the exam.

Grading policies

Total grades in the course may be curved, but individual homework and exams will not be. They will be available on moodle throughout the semester.

Homework
30%
Exam 1
35%
Exam 2
35%

Academic integrity policy

Cheating or plagiarism of any kind is not tolerated and will result in a failing grade (“F”) in the course. I take this very seriously. Engineering is an academic and professional discipline that requires integrity. I expect students to consider their integrity of conduct to be their highest consideration with regard to the course material.

What is academic integrity? Saint Martin’s University is a community of faculty, students and staff engaged in the exchange of ideas in the ongoing pursuit of academic excellence. Essential to our mission is a focused commitment to scholarly values and intellectual integrity, and a respect for the ideas, beliefs and work of others. This commitment extends to all aspects of academic performance. All members are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and their exercise of responsibility to themselves and toward other members of the community. As an expression of our shared belief in the Benedictine tradition, we support the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual nurturing of students.

What is academic dishonesty? Saint Martin’s University defines academic dishonesty as violating the academic integrity of an assignment, test and/or evaluation of any coursework. This dishonest practice occurs when you seek to gain for yourself or another an academic advantage by deception or other dishonest means. You have a responsibility to understand the requirements that apply to particular assessments and to be aware of acceptable academic practice regarding the use of material prepared by others. Therefore, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the policies surrounding academic dishonesty as these may differ from other institutions.

Acceptable use of AI in coursework

Any use of technology that misleads a reviewer in assessing the student’s mastery of a specific set of skills or knowledge is a type of intellectual dishonesty, that is, a type of cheating. Students who are unsure about the appropriateness of using an artificial intelligence tool (or “AI”) should check with the instructor before using it. This includes the use of tools that generate text, images, video, code, and other works. If you are permitted by your instructor to use one or more AI tools in producing your work, you should disclose the use of that tool. You should say which tool you used and how you used it. Then if you use specific AI generated content (text, images, videos, audio, code, and so on) you should cite it in the style (APA, MLA, and so on) specified by your instructor.

Access and accommodations

Your experience in this class is important to me. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Support Services (DSS), please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course.

If you have not yet established services through DSS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but are not limited to mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are welcome to contact DSS at 360-438-4580 or dss.testing@stmartin.edu or smu.dss@stmartin.edu. DSS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and DSS. It is the policy and practice of the Saint Martin's University to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law.

Sexual misconduct/sexual harassment reporting

Saint Martin’s University is committed to providing an environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. There are Title IX/sexual harassment posters around campus that include the contact information for confidential reporting and formal reporting. Confidential reporting is where you can talk about incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. This confidential resource can help you without having to report your situation to the formal reporting process through the Interim Dean of Students – Ms. Ann Adams MBA, Associate VP of Human Resources – Ms. Cynthia Johnson, Public Safety – Ms. Sharon Schnebly, or the Office of the Provost – Dr. Tanya Smith Brice, unless you request that they make a report. Please be aware that, in compliance with Title IX and under the Saint Martin’s University policies, educators must report incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. If you disclose any of these situations in class, on papers, or to me personally, I am required to report it.

University sanctioned activities

If you are absent from class due to university-sanctioned activities, such as sports, it is your responsibility to request that the absence be excused; otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. Absent students are responsible for catching up with the class, and if any assignments are due on the day of the absence, it is your responsibility to turn in the assignments on time (prior to class). Assignments may be submitted as an attachment to an email.

Counseling and Wellness Center

There may be times, as a college student, when personal stressors interfere with your academic performance and your daily life. The Counseling and Wellness Center supports students by addressing mental and emotional well-being with FREE and confidential services. To schedule an appointment, call 360-412-6123 or email counselingcwc@stmartin.edu or stop by the CWC (1st floor St. Raphael Center).

If you would rather not go to the CWC or need support in the evenings and weekends, please consider using the TimelyCare app (timelycare.com/smusaints) to speak with a mental health provider, free, 24/7, from your phone or computer.

Religious Accommodation

Saint Martin's University, in honor of the sacredness of the individual, and being deeply rooted in the Catholic Benedictine tradition of higher education, values the many religious and spiritual practices of our campus community. Saint Martin's University supports our students in their ongoing journey of becoming. In compliance with Washington State Law RCW 28B.137.010, Saint Martin's University reasonably accommodates students for reasons of religious observances.

Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success offers free academic services for all Saint Martin's students. The Center provides subject-area peer tutoring in science, technology, nursing, engineering, math, business, accounting, economics, world languages and other subjects. At the Writing Center, students meet with writing tutors to discuss their academic, personal, and professional writing. The Advising Center works with students on academic advising, connecting with campus support resources, transition and self-exploration guidance, personalized academic improvement plans, learning workshops, and support for changing majors. Disability Support Services is also located in the Center for any student with a disability who needs accommodations. For more information on the Center for Student Success, or to sign up for a tutoring, advising, or DSS meeting, see the website: stmartin.libcal.com/appointments.

Correlation of course & program outcomes

In keeping with the standards of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, each course is evaluated in terms of its desired outcomes and how these support the desired program outcomes. The following sections document the evaluation of this course.

Desired course outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the following course outcomes are desired:

  1. students will have a clear and thorough understanding of concepts, principles, and methods of modeling rotational-mechanical, translational-mechanical, electrical, fluid, and thermal systems;
  2. students will have a clear and thorough understanding of concepts, principles, and methods of modeling the interfaces rotational-mechanical, translational-mechanical, electrical, fluid, and thermal systems;
  3. students will be able to solve equations of state analytically and numerically;
  4. students will be able to derive and apply transfer functions;
  5. students will be able to analyze systems with sinusoidal frequency response methods;
  6. students will be able to analyze systems with frequency domain methods; and
  7. students will demonstrate an understanding of feedback control systems.

Desired program outcomes

In accordance with ABET’s student outcomes, our desired program outcomes are that mechanical engineering graduates have:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet 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
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in 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 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 and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Correlation of outcomes

The following table correlates the desired course outcomes with the desired program outcomes they support.

desired program outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
desired course outcomes 1 ✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ‌ ‌ ✔
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✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ‌ ‌ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ‌ ‌ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ‌ ‌ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ‌ ‌ ✔
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