ES197-15 Systems Modelling, Simulation and Computation
Introductory description
ES197-15 Systems Modelling, Simulation and Computation
Module aims
Systems modelling is an essential skill which underpins all Engineering disciplines allowing the Engineer to model a variety of problems. The use of models aims to provide information necessary to make decisions in the design and development of Engineering solutions or to investigate systems which are too costly, difficult or unethical to investigate physically. Vast numbers of bespoke software solutions are available to Engineers working in industry but this module will focus on designing and programming models from first principles showing the application of mathematical techniques and avoidance of modelling errors. There are design principles associated with models which ensure robust development and these will also be covered along with verification and validation techniques and applications to data modelling. These methods are inherited from software design processes and the synthesis will be exploited.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Lecture Topics
Context: What is modelling and how is it used?
- Model types, models as a tool, model design process akin to physical design process
Systems Modelling: how are mathematical models developed, simulated and validated? Model in the loop - First/second order, block diagrams, Simulink
- Modelling of translational, rotational, electrical, thermal systems
- First order systems, input-output and transfer function representation, step and frequency response
- Second order systems, input-output and transfer function representation, step and frequency response
- Fourier analysis
- Deriving relationships from data: linear, quadratic, polynomial
Programming and implementation of models - Key programming concepts (e.g. for-loops, functions, variables)
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Apply computational thinking to create software for solving modelling and simulation problems.
- Create and demonstrate a model developed with a user and purpose in mind.
- Simplify real engineering problems and approximate via a mathematical model.
- Derive simple models and relationships from data.
- Understand and predict the response of a system to test inputs (i.e. step, sine) using analytical and simulation-based approaches
Indicative reading list
Close, C.M., Newell, J.C. and Frederick, D.K., 2002. Modeling and analysis of dynamic systems. Wiley.
Karris, Steven T. Introduction to Simulink with engineering applications. Orchard Publications, 2006.
Subject specific skills
Requirement writing and test plans.
Transferable skills
Group work, project management, Group reflection.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Seminars | 3 sessions of 1 hour (2%) |
| Project supervision | 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Practical classes | 8 sessions of 2 hours (11%) |
| Other activity | 34 hours (23%) |
| Private study | 73 hours (49%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
75 hours of guided independent learning
Other activity description
1x 1 hr revision lecture
33 hours independent working on projects (33+12=45)
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group DC
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Project (including Peer Assessment) | 30% | No | |
|
In groups, students develop a MATLAB/Simulink model for an engineering problem. Assessed by four deliverables: project charter (15%, 3 pages), presentation/demo (70%, 15 mins, 5-10 mins questions), team reflection (15%, 2 pages) and peer assessment. |
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| Continuous Assessment of Laboratory Exercises | 30% | No | |
|
A series of laboratory exercises based on using MATLAB/Simulink to investigate various systems. Assessed via Moodle tests. |
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| In-person Examination | 40% | No | |
|
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Feedback on assessment
- Cohort level written feedback on group project
- Cohort-level written feedback on laboratory exercises
- Support through advice and feedback hours
- Cohort-level feedback on final exams
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UESA-H335 BEng Automotive Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H161 BEng Biomedical Systems Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H216 BEng Civil Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H63W BEng Electronic Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H113 BEng Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-HN15 BEng Engineering Business Management
- Year 1 of UESA-HH75 BEng Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H315 BEng Mechanical Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-HH35 BEng Systems Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-HN11 BSc Engineering and Business Studies
- Year 1 of UESA-H336 MEng Automotive Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H163 MEng Biomedical Systems Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H217 MEng Civil Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H63X MEng Electronic Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H114 MEng Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-HH76 MEng Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering
-
UESA-H316 MEng Mechanical Engineering
- Year 1 of H315 Mechanical Engineering BEng
- Year 1 of H316 Mechanical Engineering MEng
-
UESA-HH31 MEng Systems Engineering
- Year 1 of HH31 Systems Engineering
- Year 1 of HH35 Systems Engineering
- Year 1 of UCSA-G406 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering
- Year 1 of UCSA-G408 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H605 Undergraduate Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Year 1 of UESA-H606 Undergraduate Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng