Course Description

This course introduces the fundamentals of MATLAB and Simulink, emphasizing practical applications in engineering. Students will learn how to create models, simulate dynamic systems, and analyze results. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to use MATLAB and Simulink in real-world engineering projects.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the basics of MATLAB programming and data visualization.
2. Learn to use Simulink for modeling and simulating dynamic systems.
3. Apply knowledge in control systems, signal processing, power systems, and other engineering fields.
4. Develop skills in analyzing simulation results and optimizing system performance.
5. Explore advanced modeling techniques and custom functions to handle complex projects.

Target Audience

– Undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and applied sciences.
– Researchers working on modeling and simulations.
– Professionals in industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and energy.

Course Duration

– 10 Weeks (with an option for an intensive 5-week format)
– 2 sessions per week (Each session is 1.5 hours)

Prerequisites

– Basic knowledge of programming.
– Familiarity with engineering concepts in fields like electronics, mechanical, or control systems is helpful but not required.

Course Outline

*Module 1: Introduction to MATLAB*

Week 1: Basics of MATLAB

– MATLAB environment and syntax
– Variables, data types, and operations
– Basic mathematical functions
– Simple programming constructs (loops, conditions)

Week 2: Data Visualization and File Handling

– Plotting and visualizing data
– Reading and writing data files
– Basic matrix operations

Module 2: Introduction to Simulink

Week 3: Simulink Basics

– Understanding the Simulink interface
– Blocks and block libraries
– Building basic models and simulating
– Introduction to the simulation solver settings

Week 4: Modeling Dynamic Systems

– Differential equations and transfer functions
– Creating system models (e.g., mass-spring-damper, electrical circuits)
– Using sources and sinks (input/output handling)

Module 3: Control System Modeling and Simulation

Week 5: Control System Fundamentals

– Basics of control systems: open-loop and closed-loop systems
– Designing controllers (P, PI, PID controllers)
– Simulating step response and analyzing stability

Week 6: Advanced Control System Applications

– Linearization of non-linear models
– Control of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems
– Introduction to state-space modeling in Simulink

Module 4: Power System and Power Electronics Simulation

Week 7: Power System Modeling

– Basics of power system components in Simulink
– Modeling transformers, transmission lines, and load flow
– Introduction to Simscape Power Systems (formerly SimPowerSystems)

Week 8: Power Electronics and Motor Control

– Simulating power converters (e.g., rectifiers, inverters)
– Motor modeling and control (DC and AC motors)
– Applications in renewable energy and electric vehicles

Module 5: Signal Processing and Embedded Systems

Week 9: Signal Processing in Simulink

– Digital signal processing fundamentals
– Filtering, FFT, and signal transformations
– Implementing real-time processing in Simulink

Week 10: Embedded Systems and Code Generation

– Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation
– Code generation for embedded targets (using Simulink Coder)
– Introduction to Model-Based Design (MBD)

Final Project and Case Studies

Final Week: Project Work and Presentation

– Case studies on real-world applications (e.g., control of an electric vehicle or robotic arm)
– Hands-on project where students create, simulate, and analyze a complete system model in Simulink.
– Presentation of project findings and lessons learned.