MECH417 - Exam I Review Topics

reading assignments covered: Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; Appendices B, C
(see the syllabus for section details)

closed loop control system terminology
1. error, controller, plant
2. closed loop transfer function
Matlab
1. basic calculations and expressions
2. M-files
3. polynomial functions (roots, poly, residue)
4. plotting
Laplace transform
1. uses
2. calculating through integration
3. using tables
4. partial fraction expansion
5. inverse transform using tables
6. using Matlab's residue function
7. initial and final value theorems
8. solving differential equations
9. interpreting results from Matlab's ilaplace function
Simulink
1. simulating a differential equation
modeling
1. electrical elements
2. impedance approach
3. op amp circuit analysis
4. mechanical elements
5. writing equations from free-body diagrams
6. block diagrams (drawing, simplifying, writing equations)
7. servomotor example basics
signal flow graphs
1. writing equations
2. terminology (sink node, source node, path gain, loop gain, forward path)
3. Mason's gain formula
system response
1. 1st order system
2. dc gain
3. 2nd order system (types of damping, poles, and responses)
4. pendulum example basics
5. time response specs (terminology and qualitative relations between parameters)
6. frequency response (terminology and qualitative relations between parameters)
control system characteristics
1. terminology (closed loop gain, open loop gain, loop gain, characteristic equation, poles, zeroes)
2. converting to a unity feedback system
3. stability
4. transient response characteristics
5. sensitivity
6. disturbance rejection
7. superposition
8. steady state accuracy
9. system type
10. steady state error
stability analysis
1. polynomial coefficient and pole forms
2. Routh-Hurwitz criteria
3. Routh array
4. special cases
5. Matlab calculations with polynomials and roots
miscellaneous
1. reading assignments
2. homework assignments
3. Lab exercises