ME 447: Computer Control of Machines and Processes

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ME 447 - Computer Control of Machines and Processes

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ME 447 Computer Control of Machines and Processes, Spring09 (1) Sections: 001, 003, 004

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Engineering Outreach Course Description

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Catalog Description

447 Computer Control of Machines and Processes. II; 3cr. Discrete control theory reduced to engineering practice through a comprehensive study of discrete system modeling, system identification and digital controller design. Selected industrial processes and machines utilized as subjects on which computer control is to be implemented. Focus: computer control economics and planning as well as the control theory and programming. P:ME 340 or equiv or cons inst.

Course Prerequisite(s)

See catalog description above.

Prerequisite knowledge and/or skills

Basic ability to use differential equations to model dynamic systems
Some exposure to solution of differential equations
Some exposure to methods of manipulating differential equations
Familiar with fundamental behavior of dynamic systems including step response and frequency response
Previous use of a procedural programming language such as Matlab or "C"

Textbook(s) and/or other required material

COMPUTER CONTROL OF MACHINES AND PROCESSES, Bollinger and Duffie, Addison-Wesley, 1988.

Course objectives

Develop students' knowledge of modeling physical systems for purposes of control system analysis and design
Develop students' knowledge of feedback control system architectures and options
Develop students' knowledge of analytical approaches for computer control systems
Develop students' knowledge of design methods and tools for computer control systems
Introduce students to control computer architecture, sensors and software/hardware principles
Develop students' knowledge of programmable logic control
Develop students' ability to communicate with experts in the various disciplines associated with computer control of machines and processes.

Topics covered

Discrete system modeling
Discrete controller design
Transformation methods
Control computer technology
Sensors
Sequential logic control

Class/laboratory schedule

Two 75 minute sessions per week. Sessions may be lecture, discussion or laboratory.

Contribution of course to meeting the professional component

This course contributes primarily to the students' knowledge of engineering topics, and does provide design experience.

The following statement indicates which of the following considerations are included in this course: economic, environmental, ethical, political, societal, health and safety, manufacturability, sustainability.

Safety considerations in design of automated manufacturing equipment are discussed including emergency stop, off-dominance, and 2-button activation. Economic tradeoffs in manufacturing automation are discussed including levels of automation and selection of automation technology.

Relationship of course to undergraduate degree program objectives and outcomes

This course serves students in a variety of engineering majors. The information below describes how the course contributes to the college's educational objectives.

The course enhances students' ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and science in engineering practice to design control components that meet the needs of mechanical, thermal, fluid and manufacturing systems. In laboratory sessions, students improve their ability to conduct experiments and analyze and interpret experimental results. Hands-on experience with control hardwdare and software in laboratory sessions and classroom discussions improve ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems. Work in teams on homework and laboratory projects builds ability to collaborate with diverse individuals.

Assessment of student progress toward course objectives

Graded homework problems, projects and exams are used to assess student progress in developing knowledge in areas including control system analysis and design, feedback control architectures, control computer technology and programmable logic control.

Person(s) who prepared this description

Neil A. Duffie

Copyright 2007 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
Date last modified: 04-Aug-2007
Content by: deptinfo@me.engr.wisc.edu
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