Topics: Simulation and Visualization of Dynamic Systems
(Spring 2010) ETLS 699-03

Course Description:

  Many engineering systems are inherently dynamic in nature.  Characterizing and designing such systems requires mathematical modeling, simulation, and visualization using modern software such as MATLAB(tm), SIMULINK(tm), and SolidWorks(tm), possibly with add-on modules.  Lectures focus on the detailed applied mathematical modeling of a variety of systems from different energy domains with a bias towards mechanical systems such as mechanical translational, mechanical rotational, hydraulic, thermal, among others.  The basics of “bond graph theory,” a unifying theory based on a chemical bonding analogy is discussed.  The integrated laboratory has 3 components to it:  (1) software training (as necessary) in MATLAB(tm), SIMULINK(tm), and SolidWorks(tm), including “add-ons,” and “toolboxes” as needed, (2) developing dynamic models using MATLAB(tm) and SIMULINK(tm), (3) creating CAD models of systems, and (4) integrating the dynamics models with the visualization to create computer animations of the resulting motions of the mechanical systems.  Students also work on a team-based dynamic simulation and visualization of mechanical systems project.  This course currently serves as the only “Mechanical Systems and Control” concentration course for the new MSME program.

Book

Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems by Close

Instructor Biography

Michael P. Hennessey (Mike) joined the full-time faculty as an Assistant Professor fall semester 2000.  He is an expert in machine design, computer-aided-engineering, and in the kinematics, dynamics, and control of mechanical systems, along with related areas of applied mathematics.  Presently, he has published 36 technical papers (published or accepted), in journals (8), conferences (27), or magazines (1).  In 2006 he was tenured and promoted to the rank of Associate Professor.  Mike gained 10 years of industrial and academic research lab experience at 3M, FMC, and the University of Minnesota prior to embarking on an academic career at Rochester Institute of Technology (3 years) and Minnesota State University, Mankato (2 years).  Mike holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Minnesota (with distinction), an MS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.  He is also a member of ASME, SIAM, and ASEE.