2020/21

Module Outline

Principal Module Aims

The module will provide engineers with an opportunity to develop their understanding of the important cross-disciplinary factors in measurement, instrumentation, and control that underpin modern machine functionality. 

 Both instrumentation and control are perceived as important topics for engineers to have some theoretical foundation in, along with an ability to translate that theory into practical applications. 

 The module provides mechanically biased engineers with an opportunity to develop their measurement knowledge, and couple this to deliver control in practical engineering systems.

Principal Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module the student will be able to:

·        Recognize measurement limitations imposed by instruments and physical conditions, and interactions between the test system and the thing being measured.

·        Discriminate between different sensor types and strategies for taking effective measurements in demanding conditions.

·        Understand the need for rigorous metrology concepts in design and use of measurement systems.  Understand and demonstrate the importance and use of gauging and mastering, and traceability to national standards.

·        Analyse and communicate uncertainty.  Analysis of uncertainty reduction methods.

·        Consolidate learning by demonstrating understanding of a systems approach to control, and further demonstrate comprehensive understanding of complex control mechanisms.

·        Evaluate practical alternatives and enhanced methods of system identification and control above simple methods such as PID.  Understand ‘the Control Frontier’.

Illustrative Bibliography

1.     Leach, R.K., Smith, S.T., Basics of Precision Engineering, Taylor Francis (ISBN 978-1-4987-6085-0).  (New book - expected June 2017):

2.     Morris, A.S., Langari, R., Measurement and Instrumentation: Theory and Application, 2012, Butterworth-Heinemann.

3.     Bentley, J.P., 2005, Principles of Measurement Systems (4th Ed.), Longman Scientific & Technical.  (Print book and e-book).

4.     Dally, J., Riley, W.F., McConnell, K.G.,2006, Instrumentation for Engineering Measurements (2^nd Ed.), Wiley.

5.     Holman, J.P., 2012, Experimental Methods for Engineers (8^th Ed.), McGraw Hill.

6.     Beckwith, T.G., Marangon, R.D., Lienhard, J.H., 2009, Mechanical Measurement (6th Ed.), Addison Wesley.

7.     Nise, N.S., 2015, Control Systems Engineering (7^th Ed.), Wiley.