Matlab simulation projects for a first course in linear control systems

Abstract

Computer simulation is vital part of a first course in linear control systems. At the United States Naval Academy, MATLAB simulation projects are used to reinforce the lecture material and present "real-world" design projects at an introductory level. In this paper, a series of three projects on the design of an automated steering controller are presented. The projects introduce the students to the "design process" and require the students to address open-ended problems. Furthermore, the students are generally intrigued by the idea of vehicle automation and do not require extensive motivation. In the first project, the students investigated a simplified model of automated steering control system. The project emphasizes 2 nd order system response and introduces the design process. Specifically, the students must compromise between competing objectives in selecting a proportional controller gain. The next project introduces a measurement device (an accelerometer). In this project, the students revisit 2 nd order system response and investigate the effect of the accelerometer response on performance and stability. In the final project, a more realistic vehicle model is introduced and the students apply root locus techniques to the design of an automated steering controller.