Modeling of Mechanical and Thermal Systems

2025/2026

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • Mass- and energy balances
  • Preservation of momentum
  • Definition of control volumes, Reynolds theorem
  • Empirical relations for heat transfer friction
  • Properties for liquids and gasses
  • Fundamental laws of thermodynamics
  • Models with lumped parameters¨
  • Models with distributed parameters
  • Model structures for system identification: AR, MA, ARMA, ARMAX, Box-Jenkins
  • System identification methods: Moment method , Least squares method, Prediction error method, Maximum likelihood method, Recursive and adaptive parameter estimation
  • Lagrange and Hamiltonian mechanics
  • Coordinate systems and coordinate transformation for mechanical systems.
  • Rotation parameters, rotation matrices, quaternions
  • Kinematics
  • Satellite and Robot dynamics
  • Model representations (differential equations, state space, transfer function, differential-algebraic equations, descriptor form)
  • Model reduction
  • Linearization
  • Model properties (controllability, observability, stability)

Skills

  • Should be able to formulate models of a basic energy conversion systems and mechanical systems.
  • Should be able to apply system identification methods
  • Should be able to adapt the model to a suitable representation.

Competences

  • Capable of modeling a system with sufficient information level, suitable for solving a given control problem

Type of instruction

As described in § 17.

Exam

Exams

Name of examModeling of Mechanical and Thermal Systems
Type of exam
Written or oral exam
ECTS5
AssessmentPassed/Not Passed
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleModellering af mekaniske og termiske systemer
Module codeESNCAK2K1
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterSpring
ECTS5
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Control and Automation)
Study BoardStudy Board of Electronics and IT
DepartmentDepartment of Electronic Systems
FacultyThe Technical Faculty of IT and Design