MSc Advanced Control and Systems Engineering / Course details

• Characteristics of nonlinear behaviour, linearized models.
• Phase-plane methods; approximate construction of state trajectories.
• Describing functions; use in predicting oscillations.
• Stability theory, Lyapunov functions; methods of construction and use K-Y lemma; circle criteria.
• Compensation for nonlinearities; feedback linearization.
• Integrator backstepping and iterative backstepping design.
• Model reference control and model reference adaptive control of linear systems; adaptive laws and stability analysis.
• Robust issues in adaptive control, dead-zoon and sigma modifications in adaptive laws.
• Adaptive control of nonlinear systems and adaptive backstepping

The course unit unit aims to:

• Enable the stability and performance analysis and design of nonlinear systems and controllers.
• Enable the use of control schemes which adapt to unknown and/or slowly varying systems

Students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of non-linearities on the operation of control systems.
• Show an understanding of methods for reducing nonlinear effects in control systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principal structures used for adaptive control systems.

Intellectual skills

• Obtain locally linearized models for nonlinear dynamic systems.
• Apply the describing function method to nonlinear feedback systems.
• Use backstepping design for control of nonlinear systems.
• Design adaptive controllers, for linear and nonlinear systems

Practical skills

• Simulate nonlinear control systems using Matlab and Simulink.
• Implement adaptive control schemes for engineering systems.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Use the relevant simulation tools, and apply parameter estimation methods, in other areas.

Unseen Written Examination

Four questions, each with 25 marks.  Answer all questions

Length of examination: 2 hours

Calculators are permitted in this examination

The maximum mark for this examination forms 70% of the total unit assessment

Course Work Not Based On Laboratory Attendance

coursework 1: Control design for nonlinear systems and simulation studies

Submission date: Friday Week 2, 2nd semester

The maximum mark for coursework1 forms 15% of the total unit assessment

Coursework2: Adaptive control design for nonlinear systems and simulation studies

Submission date: Friday Week 3, 2nd semester

The maximum mark for coursework2 forms 15% of the total unit assessment

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