Course syllabus

Course-PM

SSY261 Applied mechatronics design lp4 VT23 (7.5 hp)

The course is offered by the department of Electrical Engineering

Contact details

Changfu Zou (Examiner & lecturer) 

Phone 0317723392

e-mail: changfu@chalmers.se  

 

Yicun Huang (Lecturer)

Phone 0317721038 

e-mail: yicun@chalmers.se 

 

Ahmet Tekden (TA)

Phone  0317725091 

e-mail:  tekden@chalmers.se 

 

Course purpose

The course aims to give a basic theoretical understanding as well as some practical experience in the field of mechatronics. The focus will be on design, synthesis, and analysis of mechatronics products containing control of motion, velocity, and position.  

Schedule

TimeEdit

or see Course schedule SSY261 2023.pdf

Course literature

The main textbook will be the following (available online via Chalmers library): 

• Mechatronics – A Multidisciplinary Approach, W. Bolton, Sixth Edition, Pearson, 2015. 
• For assignment 3, you will need to read the some selected pages of Rajamani’s book titled "Vehicle Dynamics and Control". This book will only be relevant for assignment 3. 
• There will be some additional material in the lecture slides. Reading material from the textbook or other sources will be indicated in Course schedule SSY261 2023.pdf

Course design

The course comprises lectures, problem-solving sessions (exercises), and three assignments (supervision sessions).  

The lectures will provide the theoretical knowledge that is required to develop a basic understanding of mechatronic systems. Sample problems will be discussed to the extent needed to explain the theory. 

The problem-solving sessions will involve both theoretical problems and computer simulations. Multiple-choice quizzes will also be made during these sessions. Sample quiz questions and their solutions will be uploaded to Canvas beforehand. The teaching assistant will solve a sample question on the board. Then a question with different numerical values will be solved by the class within a specified time. The quizzes will be graded anonymously (over the internet) to monitor the overall performance of the class and make further explanations if necessary. Hence the quiz grades will not influence the final grade. Nevertheless, they will help the students learn the material in parallel with the lectures.  

The assignments will be carried out in groups. They will involve modeling, controller design and simulation, sensor/actuator selection for autonomous driving systems. A short-written report (of at most two pages) is required to be submitted electronically via Canvas. 

Deadlines: 

• Assignment 1:    21/4   23.55  
• Assignment 2:    5/5     23.55 
• Assignment 3:    19/5   23.55 

Learning objectives 

After the completion of this course, the student should be able to do the following: 

• Identify and classify typical mechatronics problems and describe how they can be addressed. 
• Apply a systems perspective, using selected mathematical models, model-based methods, and computer simulation tools for the analysis and synthesis of mechatronics products. 
• Understand the main factors limiting the performance of a mechatronic system and explain how sensing, control, and actuation (measurement and control) can be used for performance enhancement. 
• Describe how sensing, control, and actuation are applied for motion-, velocity- and position control in mechatronic systems.  
• Discuss the possibilities and limitations of mechatronics and reflect on its impact on individuals as well as society in terms of safety, sustainability, user-friendliness, and efficiency.
   

Examination form

• Written exam (100 points) 
• Passed three laboratory assignments (possibility to have 5+5+5 = 15 bonus points) 

The written exam will consist of questions and problems like the ones solved in the course as well as problems built on knowledge and insights. Bonus points apply to the ordinary exam and the two following re-exams. 

You are allowed to bring the following to the written exam:  

• A mathematical formula book of your choice 
• Calculator without plotting functionality  
• One A4 page (two-sided) of formulas prepared from the course material 

Grading Scale:  

< 45	45 – 64	65 – 84	≥𝟖𝟓
FAIL	3	4	5