Machine Dynamics with MATLAB (edX)

This course will introduce you to a broad range of methodologies used in the field of machine dynamics. You will learn how to model a vehicle using the fundamentals of mechanics. You will get a deep understanding of the equations of motion and how to solve them using powerful MathWorks tools. Eventually, you will gain the ability to analyze and interpret the computational results in order to optimize your design.

To get the most out of your time the course is subdivided into five weeks, each consists of lectures, tutorials and exercises. During lectures, you will get all the theoretical background of machine dynamics. Tutorials will teach you the basics of MathWorks products and exercises will merge your theoretical knowledge with the practical use of the software into an exciting application.

You will learn how to model a vehicle by a one and a two degree of freedom system. These systems could be base excited, force excited or not excited, they could be damped or undamped and their mathematical representation could be solved analytically, by state space representation or by solving the differential equation itself.

Therefore, if you ever wondered how to design a vehicle suspension using MathWorks tools, we highly recommend you attend to this course.

What you'll learn

- Basic and advanced MATLAB skills

- Define a sensible modelling depth

- Derive equations of motion for different models

- Solve the equations of motion using different approaches

- Presentation of results using animations

Syllabus

Week 1 - Basics of oscillation

Definition of important parameters of an oscillation. Introduction to the methods of modelling and discussion about modelling depth. Derivation of an equation of motion of a translational one degree of freedom system.

Week 2 - Discrete systems with one degree of freedom and its eigen behavior

Analytical solution of an equation of motion and animation of the results. Analysis of three typical cases of eigen behavior. Introduction to state space representation and numerical solution of an equation of motion. Getting started with Simulink.

Week 3 - Discrete systems with one degree of freedom with forced excitation

Description of different types of excitation. Derivation and solution of an equation of motion with frequency dependent force excitation and frequency independent force excitation, respectively. Extension of the model to base excitation and explanation and development of effective vibration insulation.

Week 4 - Discrete systems with multiple degrees of freedom and its eigen behaviour

Derivation of a system of equations of motion which describes vertical dynamics and pitch motion. Analytical solution of this system and discussion of the homogeneous solution. Analyzes of three typical cases of motion. Transfer of equations into state space representation and into a Simulink model.

Week 5 - Discrete systems with multiple degrees of freedom with forced excitation

Application of frequency independent and frequency dependent force excitation to the system of equations of motion. Adaption of the model to base excitation. Development of a vibration absorber.

Week 6- Discrete systems with multiple degrees of freedom with forced excitation

Adaption of the model to base