Integrating Dynamic Systems, Vibration, And Control

Undergraduate mechanical engineering curricula often provide Dynamic Systems, Control System Theory, and Vibration as separate course offerings. Students and faculty tend to compartmentalize these subjects. The approach toward teaching these subjects is also often separated and aggravates the problem of compartmentalization. This paper presents a proposed outline of an integrated two-semester course sequence in dynamic systems, vibration, and control at the junior or senior level of the undergraduate experience. Selected topics could also be arranged to provide a one-semester course. Prerequisites for this proposed offering include a basic knowledge of linear algebra and calculus through differential equations, statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and basic electrical circuit theory and analysis. A graphical overview, or mind map, of the course is provided along with a detailed description of the various topics covered and the sequencing of the material.