Control Intro

What is Control?

• Using remote technology to control objects some distance away.

• Using control theory to design systems which behave in the way you want.

• Using Matlab to design systems which behave in new ways.

• Fitting an Arduino to a system so that it can communicate with your PC.

Answer explanation

Control engineering or control systems engineering is the engineering discipline that applies control theory to design systems with desired behaviors.

Why are multidisciplinary teams important?

• The thing we are moving might be very complex and made of chemicals.

• The thing we are moving is always controlled by an electrical system and computer.

• The thing we are moving and the way we move it may be different domains, e.g. hydro-mechanical.

• Our lecturers are too lazy to teach us just Electrical / Mechanical stuff.

Answer explanation

We need to understand the thing that is moving: mechanical, civil, aerospace, automotive, electrical, sports, medical… And we need to understand how to move it: electrical power sys, fluid/pneumatics, computer science… AND we need to understand the complexity: applied maths, materials, chemical…

How were the dynamics of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge controlled?

• The bridge was redesigned, repositioning the truss girders to affect dynamics.

• Tuned Mass Dampers were added to the new bridge.

• An Arduino was fitted to the bridge, and a computer running Matlab positioned nearby.

• Active tendons and flaps were fitted to the bridge.

Answer explanation

The previous bridge was analysed to understand the dynamics, and the new bridge was redesigned with the truss girders carefully positioned to change mass distribution and damping.

How are Aircraft controlled in flight?

• A Mechanical cable and pulley system

• A Hydro-Mechanical system

• An electrical system ("Fly by wire")

• Any of these, depending on the age, size and use of the aircraft.

Would you like more of these Quizzes in our Lectures?

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