EML 4312 - Control of Mechanical Engineering Systems

Spring 2014 --- Section 054G Only

Official Catalog Description: Credits: 3; Theory, analysis, and design of controls of
mechanical engineering systems; including mechanical, electromechanical,
hydraulic, pneumatic and thermal components and subsystems.
Pre-requisites: MAP 2302 and EGM 3401. (Differential Equations and
Dynamics)
Textbook: Modern Control Systems (12th Edition) 2011. Richard C.
Dorf and Robert H. Bishop, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0-13-602458-0.
Must be 12th edition. Must be hardcopy.
Course Objectives: By the end of this course, you should be able to do
the following: Write differential equations describing the behavior
of engineering systems; Use the Laplace transform to describe
the transfer function of engineering systems and determine the
time domain response to a wide range of inputs; Use statevariable equations to model engineering systems; Describe the
advantages of feedback control; Analyze the performance of
control systems; Determine the stability of control systems using
Root-Locus and Bode methods; Design feedback control systems,
including PID; Identify some of the current trends in control
engineering.
Lecture times and days: 8th Period (3:00-3:50) MWF in FLG 270
Instructor: John K. Schueller, 322 MAE-B, schuejk@ufl.edu
Office Hours:
(tentative) MW 1:30-2:30
appointment
Assistant: Chao Yang

nanjinchaochao@ufl.edu

and

by

Office Hours: TBA

Contribution of course to meeting the professional component:

This course contributes to enhancing the students knowledge of
advanced mathematics through multivariable calculus, differential
equations, and linear algebra. This course also contributes to the
students ability to work professionally in mechanical and aerospace
systems areas including design and analysis of such systems. The
course supports several program outcomes enumerated in the Mission
Statement of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering. Specific ME and AE program outcomes supported by this
course include: (1) Using knowledge of advanced mathematics through
multivariate calculus and differential equations (ME and AE Program

Outcomes M2 and A2); (2) Be familiar with linear algebra (ME and
AE Program Outcome M3 and A3); (3) Possess knowledge of
stability and controls (AE Program Outcome A5).
The content of the course is approximately 30% engineering design,
30% mathematics, and 40% engineering science.

Relationship of course to program outcomes:

This course achieves the following ABET outcomes [note that the outcome number
corresponds to the respective ABET outcomes (a) through (k)]:
(a) The students will learn to apply knowledge of mathematics, science,
and engineering through an analytical treatment of differential
equations in control systems [high coverage, method of
assessment is homework and 3 exams].
(c) The student will gain knowledge related to feedback control that
gives insight into the ability to design a system, component, or process
to meet desired needs [high coverage, method of assessment is
homework and 3 exams].
(e) The student will learn to identify, formulate, and solve control
engineering problems [high coverage, method of assessment is
homework and 3 exams].
(i) The student will recognize the need for, and engage in practice for,
life-long learning [low coverage, method of assessment is
homework].
(k) A modern engineering computer tool (i.e., MATLAB) will be used to
help prepare the student for professional careers [medium coverage,
method of assessment is homework and some exam problems].
Assessment Methods: Your grade for this course will be determined based on your
performance on homework and exams as follows:
Exam 1
(February--TBA)
30%
Exam 2
(March--TBA)
30%
Final Exam
(W 29 April 7:30-9:30)
30% (will NOT be
given otherwise)
Homework
10%
The following are the cutoffs for the final grade averages: A = 93, A- =
90, B+ = 87,
B = 83, B- = 80, C+ = 77, C = 73, C- = 70, D+ = 67, D = 63, D= 60
Academic Honesty: All students admitted to the University of Florida have
signed a statement of academic honesty committing to be honest in all
academic work and understanding that failure to comply with this commitment
will result in disciplinary action. This statement is a reminder to uphold your
obligation as a student at the University of Florida and to be honest in all work
submitted and exams taken.
Accommodations for Disabilities: Students with disabilities who are
requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of
Students Office and obtain the required documentation for submittal to the
Instructor. Do this soon.
Some Additional Items:
- academic dishonesty will be severely dealt with

- announcements during lectures or by email will supersede this written

document
- content and policies for this section (054G) may be different than the other
section (6004)
- all homework must be submitted by the deadlines as attachments in Sakai
- exam formats, regulations, and dates will be announced in lectures
- students are responsible for all lecture announcements and all ufl.edu emails
- if you are too stressed or having too many problems, please use UFs many
facilities

Prepared by: Prof. John K. Schueller based upon a template from Prof. S.A. Banks