Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Have knowledge about mechanical structures with complex dynamics and elements with non-linear behaviour.

Skills

• Be able to apply identification methods for determining system dynamics, when system information is not available
• Be able to apply the fundamental aspects of non-linear control theory and enable him/her to utilise the available system information to apply selected non-linear control methods on the considered system using digital platforms
• Be able to use methods for documenting the project work as a scientific paper and poster and make an oral presentation
• Be able to verify the different scientific analysis methods combined with laboratory experiments or real measured data series
• Have an innovative and entrepreneurial behavior giving value for the developed system/apparatus
• Be able to communicate scientific results professionally by means of a technical report and oral presentation

Competences

• Be able to control the working and development process within the project theme, and be able to develop new solutions within the area of control of hydraulic actuated mechanical structures
• Independently be able to define and analyse scientific problems within the area of control of hydraulic actuated mechanical structures, and based on that make and state the reasons for decisions made
• Independently be able to continue own development in competence and specialisation

Type of instruction

Problem based project organised project work in groups where the students focus on proficient project leadership and management when finding their technical solution.

During the project period you should be able to plan and structure the project work, work in groups and solve conflicts, use consensus versus fight/voting and see differences among group members as a strength. You should also work with the structure of a project report and prepare a problem formulation, set up project limitation and time schedule.

The project work is divided into two periods: P0 for problem formulation and P1 for problem solving. The P0 period lasts 5-6 weeks.

P0
The project work begins with a thorough problem analysis in the form of literature study. Based on the problem analysis, a problem formulation is defined, which will help to define the objectives of the project.

The P0 period ends with a P0 status and presentation seminar with the participation of the project group, an opponent group and the project group's supervisor. Each project group will present a P0 document in front of an opponent group. The opponent group should receive the P0 document 2 days before the P0 status and presentation seminar and will give feedback to the presenting group during the P0 status and presentation seminar.

The purpose of the P0 status and presentation seminar is to give the students feedback on their status of the project work, on the presentation itself and the student’s individual presentation skills as well.

This also means that all students will have to present for an equal time, though in total the group should not present for longer than 30 min, so approx. 5-10 min per student. The presentation is chaired by the supervisor, who is also allowed to give feedback on the above-described topics.

P1
Based on the problem analysis and problem formulation, the students prepare the P1 part of the project report. The project work is documented in a P1 project report, which includes problem analysis, problem formulation, problem solving, analyses and results, as well as discussion and conclusion.

The project takes its base in a hydraulically actuated mechanical system, which is to be controlled as a feed-back system. Models of both the mechanical structure and the actuation system are made and system identification methods should be used for critical parts where no component/system information is available.

The models or critical parts hereof should be experimentally verified to show the validity of the models. Based on the developed models one or more selected non-linear control methods should be used to develop a control algorithm for the system, which should be implemented and verified experimentally and the results should be compared to what may be obtained with standard linear controllers.

The project work is documented in a project report.

The project can also be a part of a so-called LeadENG project, where several project groups from more departments are participating, each doing their part of the large project to find a total solution.

Project work including supervision may be supplemented with lectures, workshops, presentation seminars, consultant meetings regarding PBL content, laboratory tests, etc.

Extent and expected workload

It is a 15 ECTS project module, and the student workload is expected to be 450

Exam

Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam

• It is a precondition for participation in the exam that the student has submitted a P0 document and has participated in the P0 status and presentation seminar.
• In case the student does not submit a P0 document or does not participate in he planned P0 status seminar, the student will have to present the P0 document to the supervisor no later than two weeks after the planned status seminar.
• In case of a re-exam, the student must present the P0 document to the supervisor before the exam.

Exams