This module aims to provide students with an introduction to techniques in systems analysis and mathematical modelling for application to physical processes across a range of engineering disciplines. It will be illustrated how the techniques for the analysis of systems, and the general systems approach, are highly relevant to processes of a multi-disciplinary engineering nature.

The module will focus on a broad and generic systems approach to understanding physical systems. Techniques for systems analysis, approaches to systems modelling and the techniques for the simulation of systems models will be considered. In particular, a rigorous approach to the application of physical laws to formulate appropriate dynamical systems representations, and their subsequent analysis using linear and nonlinear methods, will be taught.

The application of appropriate computational tools for systems analysis and simulation will naturally be included. The examples presented will be drawn from a range of different engineering disciplines to illustrate the advantages of a systems approach.

At completion, students will be able to:

• Develop and evaluate mathematical models of physical systems using appropriate physical laws and expressing the models with ordinary differential equations, utilise engineering analysis to demonstrate commonality in behaviour.
• Select and apply analytical techniques for analyzing the response of both linear and nonlinear systems in time and frequency domain to a range of inputs.
• Utilise computational methods (Matlab/Simulink) to analyse and predict dynamical behaviour of physical systems (e.g. steady-state and transient response to a range of inputs) including stability performance analysis.
• Develop and manipulate state space models for both linear and nonlinear systems, and utilize appropriate techniques to perform state space analysis including design of state space feedback control systems.
• Utilize computational methods in MATLAB/SIMULINK to apply concepts and techniques for analysis of the behaviour of open loop physical systems, and to design and evaluate feedback control systems (PID), analyse their behaviour and assess their stability.