Page 84 - The Mechatronics Handbook

TABLE 6.1 Mechatronic Course Contents
No. Topic Class
1 Introduction to electromechanical systems and mechatronics 1
2 Electromagnetics and mechanics in mechatronic systems: Newtonian mechanics, the Lagrange 2
equations of motion, and Kirchhoff’s laws
3 Energy conversion and electromechanical analogies 2
4 Dynamics of mechatronic system 2
5 The MATLAB environment in nonlinear analysis and modeling of mechatronic systems 2
6 Permanent-magnet direct-current and synchronous servo-motors 4
7 Transducers and smart structures: actuators and sensors 2
8 Power electronics, driving circuitry, power converters and amplifiers 4
9 Motion control of electromechanical systems and smart structures 3
10 Microprocessors and DSPs in control and data acquisition of mechatronic systems 2
11 Mechatronic systems: case-studies, modeling, analysis, control, and laboratory experiments 3
12 Advanced project 1

Although simulation-based assignments provide much insight to practical problems, there is nothing that
can take the place of hands-on experiments. The mechatronics is introduced through synergy of compre-
hensive systems design, high-fidelity modeling, simulation, hardware demonstration, and case studies.
The assessment performed demonstrates that this course guarantees comprehensive, balanced cover-
age, satisfies the program objectives, and fulfills the goals. While students are familiar with some topics
of advanced engineering and science (calculus and physics), it is clear that they do not have sufficient
background in nonlinear dynamics and control, electric machinery, power electronics, solid-state devices,
ICs, microprocessors, and DSPs. Therefore, the material is presented in sufficient details, and basic theory
needed to fully understand, appreciate, and apply mechatronics is covered. In this course, most efficient
and straightforward analysis, modeling, simulation, and synthesis methods are presented and demon-
strated with ultimate objectives to address and solve the analysis, design, control, optimization, and
virtual prototyping problems. A wide range of worked-out examples and qualitative illustrations, which
are treated in-depth, bridge the gap between the theory, practical problems, and engineering practice.
Step-by-step, the mechatronic course guides students from rigorous theoretical foundation to advanced
applications and implementation. In addition to achieving a good balance between theory and applica-
tion, state-of-the-art hardware and software are emphasized and demonstrated. In this course, mecha-
tronic systems are thoroughly covered, and students can easily apply the results to attack real engineering
problems.

6.9 Books in Mechatronics

The demand for educational books in mechatronics far exceeds what was previously anticipated by
academia and industry. Excellent textbooks in electric machinery [1–8], power electronics [9–11], micro-
electronics and ICs [12], and sensors [13,14] were published. Educational examples in analysis and design
of linear electromechanical systems are available from control books [15–21]. Control Systems Theory
With Engineering Applications [18], shown in Fig. 6.4, has a number of illustrative examples in modeling,
simulation, and control of complex nonlinear electromechanical systems. In particular, analysis and
control of nonlinear transducers, permanent-magnet DC and synchronous motors, squirrel-cage induc-
tion motors, servomechanisms, and power converters are thoroughly covered.
The need for a comprehensive treatment of nonlinear electromechanical systems using the mechatronic
paradigm is evident. Excellent books in conventional electromechanical motion devices [3,4,22], and
textbooks for mechanical engineering students in mechatronics [23–27] have been used in Electrical and
Mechanical Engineering departments, respectively. However, there is a critical need for modern books
in mechatronics that are comprehensive in their coverage and global in their perspective for engineering
departments. The time has come to target new frontiers using the developed engineering enterprise,

©2002 CRC Press LLC