EGH421 Vibration and Control
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EGH421 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (EGB321 or ENB312) or Admission to (EN55 or EN60) |
| Antirequisite(s): | EGB345,EGH462 |
| Equivalent(s): | ENB313 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $6,684 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EGH421 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (EGB321 or ENB312) or Admission to (EN55 or EN60) |
| Equivalent: | ENB313 |
| Anti-requisite: | EGB345 and EGH462 |
| Coordinator: | Edmund Pickering | ei.pickering@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The ability to analyse and control the dynamic behaviour of machinery and processes is core competency for mechanical engineers. In this unit, you will be introduced to the theory and techniques that underpin dynamic systems analysis and control system engineering, including: transfer function representations, stability, steady-state behaviour, and frequency response. You will then use these techniques to design controllers to achieve certain transient and steady-state performance criteria. Together, these concepts and analysis tools will provide you with a solid foundation to develop real-world controllers, including the ubiquitous proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller. In this capstone unit, you will draw on the earlier dynamics units EGB321 Dynamics of Machines, and EGB211 Dynamics. An embedded mathematics module, constituting 20% of the unit, provides advanced methods that support student learning in the engineering context.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply the fundamental principles of dynamics to machine vibration and control analysis, at a mastered level.
- Solve engineering problems in dynamics related to machine vibration and control, at a mastered level.
- Communicate engineering procedures and methodologies used for analysis in dynamics, detailing vibration and control, at a mastered level.
- Demonstrate knowledge of, and utilise, correct mathematical methods relevant to engineering control at a mastered level.
Content
Mathematical theory underpinning control theory, such as: review of ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms applied to differential equations (including shift theorems, convolution, final value theorem, pole/zero dynamics), transfer functions, Taylor series and linearisation.
Engineering Content, including:
1. Modelling of mechanical, electrical and electromechanical systems;
2. Time response of dynamic systems;
3. Frequency response (including Bode Diagrams);
4. Block diagrams and feedback control;
5. Stability in control systems (including root locus techniques) and steady-state errors;
6. Design of PID and Lead/Lag Controllers;
7. Use of MATLAB for control systems;
8. Analysis of multi-degree freedom systems;
9. Vibration control.
Learning Approaches
In this unit you can expect to experience the following timetabled activities:
- Formal engineering lectures: 2 hours per week, from experienced engineer(s) that will activate your understanding of theories and principles, and model approaches to solving problems. You will have the opportunity to ask questions during these lectures.
- Formal mathematics lectures: 2 hours per week for weeks 1-4. The mathematics lectures will each be 2 hours and supported by exercises in the workshops, which will be facilitated by instructors to provide guidance and feedback on your learning.
- Workshop classes: 2 hours per week, that will give you the opportunity to work collaboratively with your peers to solve problems. These will be facilitated by teaching staff and will provide an opportunity to test your understanding and gain feedback on your work. You will also work collaboratively to conduct simulations to give you experience with dynamic systems and controller design.
- To complement timetabled activities, you can expect to be provided with learning resources including videos and readings on a unit Canvas site that you can access flexibly to complete your learning in this unit. Success in this unit will require you to manage your time to ensure you have focused time each week (beyond timetabled activities).
At the beginning of the unit, you will be made aware of the ways in which you can ask questions or seek clarification from the Unit Coordinator and Tutors.
You are expected to:
- Engage with timetabled activities on campus and ask questions.
- Manage your time to engage with online resources outside of timetabled activities. These will be available on the unit Canvas site. You will receive regular email announcements regarding release of these resources.
- Engage with your peers in a learning community to practise problem solving and then work independently to complete your assessment tasks.
- Prepare for timetabled classes and activities and follow up on any work not completed.
- Complete assessment tasks by working consistently across the semester and meeting the due dates that are published via the unit Canvas site.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will have the opportunity to practice and reflect on what you are learning with a range of unmarked exercises throughout the semester, including skill assessments assigned as formative homework. Feedback will be provided from both teaching staff and peers during the workshops and computer labs.
Assessments will be marked against criteria and standards which will be shared with you via rubrics and discussions with your lecturers/tutors on your draft assessments. Marked assessments will include feedback from the markers against the rubrics.
Assessment
Overview
As you progress through this unit, you will develop both a theoretical understanding of dynamic systems and learn to deploy practical analysis and design techniques that are important for professional engineering practice. The assessment for the unit is designed to test your learning against the unit learning outcomes, and includes problem solving tasks (50%) where you will report on the modelling,analysis, and simulation of dynamic systems and the design of controllers using both hand calculations and computer tools (e.g. MATLAB). A comprehensive written examination (50%) will assess both your theoretical understanding and your ability to deploy the analytical techniques you have developed in the unit. The mathematics assessment constitutes 20% of the total assessment in this unit
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem solving task 1
You will develop transfer function models for different dynamic systems and analyse their transient, steady-state, and frequency responses. Assessment of the mathematics content in this assessment will contribute 10% to your final result in this unit.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Problem solving task 2
You will analyse the dynamic behaviour of some practical systems. You will report this analysis and the design of controllers to achieve steady-state and transient performance criteria.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Examination (written)
In this comprehensive assessment, you will develop mathematical models and analyse the transient, frequency, and steady-state responses of dynamic systems described by transfer functions. You will also analyse a feedback system and design a controller to achieve certain performance criteria. Assessment of the mathematics content in this assessment will contribute 10% to your final result in this unit.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
You are required to use the following:
- The unit website on QUT's Canvas (learning materials that support timetabled activities and assessment tasks)
- QUT Library Databases
- QUT Cite| Write: You can access QUT cite/write online (Free download from QUT library)
There is no required text for the mathematics component of this unit.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Author: Norman S. Nise
Title: Control Systems Engineering
Year: 2019
Publisher: Wiley & Son
Edition: 8th Edition
Risk Assessment Statement
You will undertake lectures and workshops in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres of QUT. You will follow all legitimate instructions of staff in accordance with QUT workplace health and safety requirements.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written)
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written)
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written)
Relates to: Problem solving task 1
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written)
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written)
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written)
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written) - Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written) - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written) - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written)
EN55 Master of Professional Engineering
- Apply advanced and specialist knowledge, concepts and practices in engineering design, analysis management and sustainability.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written) - Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering problems to achieve research informed solutions.
Relates to: Problem solving task 2, Examination (written) - Apply systematic approaches to plan, design, execute and manage an engineering project.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1 - Communicate complex information effectively and succinctly, presenting high level reports, arguments and justifications in oral, written and visual forms to professional and non specialist audiences.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2 - Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering decision making and professional accountability.
Relates to: Problem solving task 2
EN60 Graduate Certificate in Communication for Engineering
- Demonstrate and apply specialised knowledge and technical skills in at least one Engineering discipline.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Examination (written) - Critically investigate real world engineering issues and solve complex problems drawing on specialised creative skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, theory and practice.
Relates to: Problem solving task 2, Examination (written) - Employ effective written and oral professional communication skills across social, cultural and discipline domains.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2 - Exercise responsibility and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice including working independently, ethically and collaboratively.
Relates to: Problem solving task 2
EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written) - Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written) - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written) - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Problem solving task 1, Problem solving task 2, Examination (written)