Tutorial – 3

Q.1 Using partial fraction expansion where required, find x(t) for –

Q.2 The dynamic model between an output variable y and an input variable u can
be expressed by –

(a) What is the steady-state gain?

(b) For a step change in u of magnitude 1.5, what is y(t)?

Q.3 A stirred-tank reactor is operated with a feed mixture containing reactant A at

a mass concentration CAi· The feed flow rate is wi, as shown in Figure. Under
certain conditions the system operates according to the model-

(a) For cases where the feed flow rate and feed concentration may vary and the
volume is not fixed, simplify the model to one or more equations that do not
contain product derivatives. The density may be assumed to be constant. Is the
model in a satisfactory form for Laplace transform operations? Why or why not?

(b) For the case where the feed flow rate has been steady at wi for some time,
determine how cA changes with time if a step change in cAi is made from cA1 to cA2·
List all assumptions necessary to solve the problem using Laplace transform
techniques.
Q.4 A surge tank in Figure is designed with a slotted weir so that the outflow rate,
w, is proportional to the liquid level to the 1.5 power; that is,

w = Rh1.5

where R is a constant. If a single stream enters the tank with flow rate wi, find the
transfer function H'(s)/W'i(s). Identify the gain and all-time constants. Verify units.
The cross-sectional area of the tank is A. Density r is constant.
Q.5 The dynamic behavior of the liquid level in each leg of a manometer tube,
responding to a change in pressure, is given by –

where h'(t) is the level of fluid measured with respect to the initial steady-state
value, p'(t) is the pressure change, and R, L, g, r and µ are constants.
(a) Rearrange this equation into standard gain-time constant form and find
expressions for K, t, z in terms of the physical constants.
(b) For what values of the physical constants does the manometer response
oscillate?
(c) Would changing the manometer fluid so that r (density) is larger make its
response more oscillatory, or less? Repeat the analysis for an increase in µ,
(viscosity).

Q.6 For the equation –

(a) Find the transfer function and put it in standard gain/time constant form.
(b) Discuss the qualitative form of the response of this system (independent of the
input forcing) over the range -10 £ K £ 10.
Specify values of K where the response will converge and where it will not. Write
the form of the response without evaluating any coefficients.

Q.7 A step change from 15 to 31 psi in actual pressure results in the measured
response from a pressure-indicating element shown in Figure.
(a) Assuming second-order dynamics, calculate all important parameters and write
an approximate transfer function in the form-
where R' is the instrument output deviation (mm), P' is the actual pressure
deviation (psi).
(b) Write an equivalent differential equation model in terms of actual (not
deviation) variables.