ME 380 (Control Systems) Class Information

Department of Mechanical Engineering

0. Textbook.

I just receivd a notice that the UNM Bookstore doesn't enough copies of the textbook. So I scanned Chapter 1 and it's available as a 22 Mb PDF file HERE.

1. Syllabus and schedule.

A concise syllabus for ME 380 is available for download as a PDF file.

2. Mailing List.

There is a mailing list (listserv) titled ME380-L for this class. You may sign up at any time.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIST:

Individuals can subscribe to the list by sending a message to: listserv@list.unm.edu

Leave the Subject field blank. In the body of message type (with no other text):

subscribe ME380-L Firstname Lastname

Once the subscribe request is approved, a notification will be emailed to you.

3. MATLAB.

We will use MATLAB extensively during ME 380; presumably you have all had exposure to MATLAB before. I will be happy to answer any MATLAB questions during class.

Here is a MATLAB Tutorial prepared by the UNM Math Department (PDF file).

You can also go to the Mathworks' MATLAB & Simulink Based Tutorials...click on the "MATLAB Tutorial" to see a bunch of options. You may have to register for the main MATLAB tutorial, but it's free.

I suggest writing MATLAB Scripts (and functions where appropriate) to do things, and my one piece of advice is: COMMENT YOUR CODE!

4. Complex Numbers.

Some folks are uneasy with imaginary and complex numbers. I wrote this little essay to perhaps help out.

5. Table of Laplace transforms.

Table 2.1 in the text is pretty limited. A more extensive Laplace transform table is HERE.

6. Homework "Hints."

Here are PDF files containing hopefully helpful hints, answers, plus various handouts for the homework assignments.

Chapter 1 Assignment/Hints. These are just a few simple "Review Questions" and one modeling problem that I made up. Due on Monday, January 23, so please take note.
Chapter 2 Hints. I changed the input for Problem 23, and added some terminology to Problem 30a and Problem 42. This assignment will be due Friday, February 3.
My gear train handout that I wrote up many years ago. Probably shoulda posted it earlier...
Chapter 3 Hints There is only one problem in the Chapter 3 assignment; it is text Problem 19. But I've added realistic numerical parameters, and a request for you to perform some numerical simulation (part (b) slightly re-worded on 2/10/12 at 1345).
MATLAB script massdemo.m, which does state-space modeling and simulation of the "spring-mass-damper" system shown in class. This is similar to what you will need for the Chapter 3 HW problem.
Chapter 4 Hints There are a bunch of problems here, but I think most of them are pretty simple. Now with final problem involving the DC Motor/Load from Chapter 3. NOTE: Problem 30 now modified to make it easier!
Chapter 5 Hints, including the "Starr DC Motor" problem. Also now I know about MATLAB function "minreal" which cancels multiple modes. Thanks!
Chapter 7 HW Hints, including guidelines on how to submit the Simulink results for Problem 40. And now with the STARR PROBLEM on sensitivity.
Chapter 8 HW Hints I decided to cancel Problem 41 and have substituted Problem 30. I am going to ask you to do a few more things for Problem 30 than the text does. I've also tried to "clarify" Problem 60, and have added many more steps than the text problem. It may look intimidating, but I've tried to methodically "lead you through" the analysis of the system.
Chapter 10 HW Hints I've added a few parts to Problem 44 to show you the effects of adding a PD controller to a system. -->

7. Homework Solutions.

Here are PDF files containing the entire homework solution.

Chapter 1. This HW assignment was very simple; mostly all you had to do was look some stuff up.
Chapter 2. Modeling problems. Now with those two errors corrected...sorry.
Chapter 3 The solution for the state-space modeling of the DC motor driving a load via a gear train. (now with proper captions on the plots).
MATLAB script for part (a)
MATLAB script for part (b)
MATLAB script for part (c)
Chapter 4, same solution I covered in class on Monday.
Chapter 5 HW solution. Sorry it's late, but nobody complained...
Chapter 7 HW solution. Sorry it's late (again)...
Chapter 8 HW solution. I did all the MATLAB interactively from the keyboard; I didn't write any scripts. So I can't post any scripts...sorry.

8. Grading Issues.

Somehow I think there will be students that are concerned about why they got the final grade they got...

Remember, I GRADE ON A CURVE! Students always like this, but they may not like the results.

The table below shows (1) Exam I (40%), (2) Exam II (40%), (3) HW average (20%), (4) Final course average, and (5) Final Grade.

You can probably figure out who you are from the Exam I and Exam II grades.

I always do the best I can...remember, everything on the exams was TOTALLY OBJECTIVE...your answers were either correct or not. Absolutely no "interpretation" on my part. And I think the HW grader did an excellent job in grading the HW.

Good luck in the future.