Module overview
This module introduces some advanced programming, simulation and design modelling frameworks and tools. Teaching activities are a combination of taught sessions, expanded self-study supported by the Professional Skills Hub and practical hands-on sessions in computer laboratories. The tools and techniques studied in this module are also used in the companion design module in practical hands-on applications.
For Mechatronics students, the analogue relationship between mechanical and electrical systems are explored, enabling circuit problems and mechanical systems to be treated in the same framework. Efficient approaches to represent, simulate and analyse dynamics systems are then developed and applied. Modelling and analysis are then used to understand vibration problems in continuous mechanical systems, including beams and shafts. Programming techniques are then introduced to simulate and visualise mechanical vibration within a design project.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Application of Raleigh’s method to approximate natural frequencies and modes of vibration
- Analogue techniques to analyse and solve electrical circuit and mechanical system problems.
- Models of continuous mechanical systems and the causes and effects of vibration
- State-space methods to transform between circuit problems and mechanical systems.
- The use of programs for numerical solution of mathematical equations.
- The principles of Object-Oriented programming, including the concepts of inheritance, abstraction and polymorphism.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Model software systems before implementation.
- Address novel design challenges by choosing appropriate analysis and design methods.
- Select an appropriate numerical approach for different simple mathematical problems.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply modelling and programming environments to simulate and visualise vibrations
- Translate a physical problem in mechanical vibration to an appropriate dynamic model
- Design, write and debug Object-Oriented programs
- Use simple numerical programs to solve physical problems
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Effectively integrate reusable OO libraries.
- Analyse, enhance and debug existing OO programs.
Syllabus
Advanced Programming
- Introduction to Object Oriented Programming (C++)
- Encapsulation; Classes; Objects; Inheritance; Polymorphism
- Programming in C++: The software lifecycle; Source code control; Testing
- Use of OO modelling tools, including UML
- Exception Handling; Storage (Files & Databases); Dynamic memory allocation
- Introduction to data structures; Trees and Graphs; Stacks queues and linked lists; Searching and sorting
- Programming Skills; Use of high-level program development tools; Collaborative programming
Numerical Programming
- Introduction to numerical simulation
- Numerical solution of ODEs
- Numerical simulation of PDEs
Application of circuit and mechanical analogies.-
- State space method; definition of terms: state-variable, state-matrices, etc.; consideration of the elements that store energy; formation of equations, in particular the formation of matrix equation in the form of X = A.X + B.E, nature of these terms.-
- Solution of state space equations by Laplace transform methods;
- solution of simple circuit network problems.
- Solution of state equations in the time domain (linear-time invariant case): s
- Solution of the state differential equation (exponential of a matrix, its computation, forced- and free response in the state-space setting).
Approximate Frequency Analysis,
- Rayleigh’s, Dunkerley’s Methods Lagrange’s Equations-
- Continuous Systems Vibration of Strings, Rods, Beams and derivation of equations of motion.-
- Application of Rayleigh’s method to approximate natural frequencies.
- Vibration and Instrumentation, Transmissibility.
Laboratory Coursework
- Cantilever vibration experiment
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The content of this module is delivered through lectures, module website, directed reading, pre-recorded materials and practical sessions.
Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study, preparation for timetabled activities and tutorials.
Students work on their practical skills and professional skills through laboratory sessions and discussion tutorials.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Completion of assessment task | 32 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 12 |
| Specialist Laboratory | 24 |
| Wider reading or practice | 32 |
| Follow-up work | 12 |
| Total study time | 148 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Online documents. Lecture notes and details of assignments and assessment schemes will be provided on line.
Laboratory space and equipment required. IC fabrication facilities
Software requirements. The student version of Orcad/PSpice and LTSpice
Textbooks
Spencer R R & Ghausi M S (2003). Introduction to Electronic Circuit Design. Prentice Hall.
Williams T (2005). The Circuit Designer's Companion. Newnes,.
Lidwell W, Holden K and Butler J (2010). Universal Principles of Design. Rockport Publishers Inc.
Sedra A S & Smith K C (2004). Microelectronic Circuits. OUP.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed entirely by a combination of coursework exercises, presentations and reports, along with demonstrations.
There is no referral opportunity for this module.
There is no external repeat opportunity for this module.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal