INTRODUCTION TO FEEDBACK CONTROL
Overview of linear feedback control analysis and design techniques for mechanical systems. Modeling of linear dynamic mechanical systems (review), derivation of their defining differential equations, and analysis of their response using both transient and frequency response techniques; Analysis and design of feedback control of mechanical systems using classical control transform techniques such as root locus and frequency response; Analysis of system robustness through evaluation of phase and gain margins and the Nyquist stability criterion. Design of feedback controllers for mechanical systems using frequency domain loop-shaping methods. Design domains, including mechanical, thermal, and fluid feedback control systems. Effects of non-ideal system characteristics commonly encountered in mechanical systems, such as compliance, delay, and actuator and sensor saturation. Builds on knowledge of high-level computational programming language such as Matlab or Simulink.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: ( M E 340 , E M A/M E 440 , or E M A 545) and ( MATH 319 or 320 ), graduate/professional standing, member of Engineering Guest Students, or declared in Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control. Not open to students with credit for M E 346. Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Solve for the time-domain response of differential equations associated with physical dynamic systems Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Simulate the time-domain response and frequency-response of physical dynamic systems using computer analysis and design tools such as Matlab Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Analyze and design PID feedback controllers for simple first and second order physical systems Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Analyze the stability of linear systems using the Nyquist stability criteria and its equivalent frequency domain representation Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 5. Analyze and design modern feedback control systems using frequency domain analysis and design techniques, including the use of frequency loop shaping to achieve desired transient and steady-state design specifications Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 6. Analyze and design complex linear feedback controllers for a range of mechanical dynamic systems, including systems with non-ideal characteristics such as flexible modes, time delay, actuator saturation, and unstable open-loop systems Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Solve for the time-domain response of differential equations associated with physical dynamic systems Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Simulate the time-domain response and frequency-response of physical dynamic systems using computer analysis and design tools such as Matlab Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Analyze and design PID feedback controllers for simple first and second order physical systems Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Analyze the stability of linear systems using the Nyquist stability criteria and its equivalent frequency domain representation Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 5. Analyze and design modern feedback control systems using frequency domain analysis and design techniques, including the use of frequency loop shaping to achieve desired transient and steady-state design specifications Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 6. Analyze and design complex linear feedback controllers for a range of mechanical dynamic systems, including systems with non-ideal characteristics such as flexible modes, time delay, actuator saturation, and unstable open-loop systems Audience: Graduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027