This course provides an understanding of how continuous-time systems can be simulated by means of the numerical solution of mathematical models. It introduces commonly used simulation tools and numerical methods. It also considers the real-time application of simulation for hardware in the loop analysis and immersive training simulators

2 lectures per week and laboratory sessions

None

None

50% Written Exam

50% Report

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

It is not possible to offer reassessment in project work in this course. Students failing to complete the project work, without good cause, will receive a Credit Refused (CR) grade and will be required to re-attend the course the following year.

The aims of this course are to:

■ provide an introduction to numerical methods and mathematical modelling in the context of simulating the response of engineering systems;

■ use continuous time simulations to analyse and design engineering systems;

■ solve engineering problems by means of computer simulation and numerical methods;

■ appreciate the practical hardware and software requirements for the accurate simulation of engineering systems.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ explain the limitations of simulation models due to limitations in mathematical methods used and the underlying mathematical model;

■ evaluate the effect of numerical methods used on overall accuracy of the results obtained from a simulation model;

■ describe the problems associated with real-time simulation;

■ implement simple processes of internal verification of a simulation model;

■ develop and apply numerical methods for continuous-time simulation;

■ design and develop a continuous-time system simulation in a suitable simulation language.

Students must attend the degree examination and submit at least 75% by weight of the other components of the course's summative assessment.

Students must attend the timetabled laboratory classes.