Monash University

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Systems and Control (MEC3457) Assignment #1

Question 1 The problem of balancing a stick on the end of ones finger is not unlike the problem of controlling the attitude of a missile during the initial stages of launch. Consider Figure 1, which shows a stick balanced on top of a cart that is free to move horizontally. The angle of the stick with the vertical is measured by means of a potentiometer. Develop a free-body diagram and equation set model, and specify a simple control system that will move the cart so as to maintain the stick in the upright position when disturbed. Draw the block diagram of the system and identify the major elements.

Figure 1

Question 2 In order to land the Boeing 747 jet shown in Figure 2, the pilot must set the moveable control surfaces at the trailing edge of each wing, known as flaps, to an angle of 25. To achieve this, a servo system comprising electrical and hydraulic components is used, as shown in Figure 3. Develop the equation set model, and the system transfer function from the equation set model. Develop the block diagram for the system and the transfer function from the block diagram. Note: Systems parameters/constants - Potentiometer: Kp, Amplifier: Ka, Servo valve: Kv, Linkage: Kl, Hydraulic Actuators (cylinder/piston) area: A.

Figure 2

Figure 3