Implementing problem-based learning projects to synthesize feedback controllers using matlab/simulink and students assesment

Abstract

In the quest for automatic control [1] to the real-world dynamical systems, meeting the requirements with strict design standards including ascertaining optimality throughout the phases of engineering, modeling and applications still need much more emphasis on teaching methods due to be revised and implemented. In order to customize a part of it in the engineering education, this paper attempts to present a novel approach of implementing problem-based learning projects in the class. In particular, to learn classical and modern control techniques and simulation, these types of projects can be introduced in the class projects of control systems, robotics and mechatronics courses offered to junior and senior level undergraduate students in mechanical, electrical and aerospace engineering. As in the literature, these type of activities mostly have been practiced and relied upon establishing a separate one or two credits laboratory course devoted to experiments on classical control methods and design, which certainly should be, however, it may not be offered all times as a co-requisite and this significantly causes a subtle gap to realize the practical importance of the subject while learning the theory first time. The primary objective of the paper is to introduce simultaneous need of "project-based learning" that is implementable and viable in the class for teaching the theory of automatic control techniques using real- Time simulation methods as SIMULINK, Ref. [13]. Technically, the projects' implementation indeed is intended to demonstrate the classical control methods first along with an idea of establishing a sound background on the programming methods using MATLAB and SIMULINK [13]. In view of modern engineering and technology, focusing on emerging needs for the subject's knowledge, the practical understanding of modern software tools is inevitably required to suitably fit it in for resolving the challenges in the research and studies. To start the project-based learning task on implementing the classical and new theoretical techniques embedded with high level applied mathematics, there are many well-known problems in engineering dynamics, control systems, aerospace structures, space services and observations that can subjectively be opened to undergraduate and graduate level classes existed in the engineering course curriculum. The main advantage of the problem-based learning project is to simultaneously enhance the students' creativity, interest and motivation to adapt active learning of the course material. This activity also helps the students realize the subject's practical advancements as, i) To many shortterm goals as performing well in the class and preparing for a culminating experience through senior design projects, ii) To the long- Term goals as joining industry, higher education and the research in many directed areas in guidance, navigation and control. To meet these learning objectives for the mentioned topics, especially in the field of aerospace engineering, some of the project problems are specifically considered for designing automatic control for flight systems. The proposed activity, especially to interested students for their culminating research/senior design projects in the area of controls, also acts as an excellent primer necessitated for understanding nonlinear feedback controller, e.g. A controller design such as working with statedependent Riccati equations that require to solve a system of coupled governing nonlinear differential equations using state-space modeling, LQ type design, and many other solution methods in nonlinear automatic control. As one of the main course activities, the novel part of this paper is to introduce an undergraduate level in-class project exercise of solving 2-3 extensive problems that requires developing MATLAB subroutines and SIMULINK modeling to present the method of solution and grasp the theoretical ideas in practice to use it for multifaceted analysis of the control problem given in its nonlinear version as a real-world problem. Finally, author presents a study of students' assessment, grasping capabilities and challenges to make it thorough and rewarding for undergraduate research experiences in Systems Dynamics & Controls and Aerospace Engineering. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2014.