Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

I/ Introduction & Modeling

PROBLEM I-1
A centrifuge used in training pilots is shown in the picture
and is illustrated with a conceptual block diagram below. The
centrifuge consists of rotating arms, carrying a gondola,
rotated at a controlled speed to simulate the high
accelerations to which the pilots are subjected during flight.

(t)

Associate the main function of each component with one or

more of the elements of the list {reference input, comparator,
controller, amplifier, actuator, plant, sensor, transducer,
controlled output}, and write on the rectangle just above the
relevant block.
Ans. :

Reference
Input
Pot.

(t)

Comparator +
Controller
e(t)
+

et(t)

Amplifier
_

Actuator
ea(t) DC electric
motor

Amplifier
Gearbox

Tm(t)

Plant
Output
Centrifuge

T(t)

(t)

Tachometer

Transducer

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM I-2
Automotive cruise control systems are used to hold the vehicle speed steady at a set value
especially in long runs to prevent driver fatigue. After switched ON by the driver, this
system takes the control of the gas throttle using an electronically controlled stepper motor,
and keeps the vehicle speed constant. This system requires speed sensors to measure the
controlled vehicle speed.
a) Identify basic elements of the cruise control system. (Reference input, output,
actuator, controller, sensor, plant)
b) List any possible disturbances to the system during operation.
c) Draw a simple block diagram. Clearly identify each block as one of the basic
elements.
d) Classify (also explain the reason) the system as;
i.

Open Loop or Closed Loop,

ii.

Regulator or Servomechanism.
Disturbances

Ans. :

Output
Error Detector

Controller

Actuator

Plant

Reference
Input

Sensor

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM I-2
Solar collectors need to be perfectly oriented towards sun in order to provide best utilization
of sun light. Therefore, solar collectors must track the sun by continuously changing
orientation during daytime. The orientation of a solar collector can be adjusted by changing
two angles, one of which is the angle between the collector axis and the horizontal (elevation,
angle in the figure) and the other represents the rotation of the collector about vertical
(azimuth, angle in the figure). These two angles can be varied smoothly using two
servomotors which are driven by a digital control card.

For sun tracking, two alternative methods are possible to determine the orientation (the two
angles, elevation and azimuth) of the sun in the sky;
i.

A sun sensor that senses the position of the sun in the sky,

ii.

A software that is loaded on the digital control card which predicts the position of
the sun according to date and location.

a) Identify basic elements of both sun tracking systems.

b) Classify (also explain the reason) both systems as;
i. Open Loop or Closed Loop,
ii. Regulator or Servomechanism.
c) List any possible disturbances to sun tracking systems and compare behavior of the
two systems under the effect of disturbances.
d) Draw simple block diagrams for the systems clearly identifying all elements.
Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

Ans. :
Disturbances

Sensor

Controller

System 1

Actuators

Plant
Output

Reference
Input

System 2

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM I-3:
Consider the pendulum illustrated in the figure. In
the equilibrium position shown the massless rigid

bar connecting the mass to the pivot point O is

g

vertical and the spring is undeformed. A torque T

d
L

at the pivot point is applied to the bar, and the

angular position of the bar with respect to the
equilibrium position is represented by the angle .

m
Obtain the relation between the input (torque T) and the output (angle ) for small oscillations
about the origin.

Ans.: mL2 
+ cd 2  + kd 2 + mgL = T

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM I-4

m
g

Consider the swing axle type of independent suspension of a vehicle. The rigid half axle
pivots about the fixed body point O. A strut, which consists of a spring and a damper
coaxially placed, is pivoted on the half shaft at one end and on the body at the other. Neglect
the masses of the strut (spring and damper) and half shaft. Wheel mass is m, the spring
constant is k, and the damper damping coefficient is b. Assume the equilibrium position of
the system to be the horizontal position of the half shaft. For small motions about the
equilibrium position :
a) Identify the elements and write down the elemental equations. Hint : Give a small
rotation to the half shaft first.
b) Write down the structural equation(s) and identify them as continuity or
compatibility equation(s).
c) Obtain the input output relation (input : force F on the mass, output : angle of the
half shaft)
bd 2  kd 2
+
+
=F
Ans.: c) mL
L
L

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM I-5

y2
M
cs

ks

y1

m
kt

y0

Although a car is a complicated mechanical system, simple models can be used with
acceptable accuracy in analyzing certain aspects of vehicle dynamics. For example, the wellknown quarter car model is a two degree freedom model that is used in ride comfort
studies. In this model one suspension of the car is modeled with its mass that is not supported
by the suspension springs (unsprung mass, m) and its share of the vehicle body mass (sprung
mass, M) supported by suspension springs. ks, cs, and kt represent the suspension stiffness,
suspension damping coefficient, and tire stiffness, respectively, for the suspension
considered. For the given quarter car model:
a) Identify the elements and write down the elemental equations.
b) Write down the structural equation(s) and identify them as continuity or
compatibility equation(s).
c) Obtain the differential equations relating the input (road profile yo) and the vertical
motion (y2 and y1) of the sprung and unsprung masses.
..

..

Ans. : c) M y 2 + cs y 2 + k s y 2 = cs y1 + k s y1 , m y1 + (k s + k t )y1 + cs y1 = k s y 2 + cs y 2 + k t yo

Note that this is a 2 dof system.

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM I-6 : (See Nise, P2.39)

A disk of inertia J and radius r is

(t)

constrained to move about the stationary

axis A. Viscous damping with a

coefficient bv1 exists between the disk
and the mass M. Similarly, viscous
damping with a coefficient bv2 exists

bv1
K

f(t)
M

bv2

between the mass and the ground. The

x(t)

motion of the mass is restrained by an

ideal spring of stiffness K.

Denote the angular position of the disk and the position of the mass by (t) and x(t). The
input to the system is the force f(t) applied to the mass and the outputs are x(t) and (t).
a) Identify the elements and write the elemental equations.
b) Write the structural equations.
c) Obtain the equation(s) of motion for the system.
Hint : This is a two-degree-of-freedom system and thus two equations are needed.
 + ( b v1 + b v2 ) x + Kx rb v1 = f (t) , J
+ r 2 b v1 rb v1x = 0
Ans. : c) Mx

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM I-7:

A fluid system consists of two

tanks with cross-sectional areas of

Qi

A1 and A2. Valves of resistance

coefficients R1 and R2 are fitted to
the outlet of each tank. The fluid

g
h1

R1

flows from the first tank into the

second tank as illustrated in the

Qm

A1

h2

figure. Fluid flows into the first

tank and out of the second tank at

R2

Qo

A2

rates of Q1 and Q2. The density of

fluid is denoted by .
Follow the procedure outlined in the first problem and obtain the input output relation (input :
Qi, output : Qo).
A1A 2 R1R 2 d 2 Qo

Ans.: Qi =
dt 2
2 g 2

A R +A R
2 2
+ 1 1

dQo
dt + Qo

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM I-8

qi
g
C

p1

R
q1

Ro

p2

q2

qo

The fluid system shown above consists of two tanks each with a capacitance of C and three
valves of resistance coefficients R and Ro, as illustrated. The fluid flow rates from the two
tanks, and the pressures at the bottom of the tanks are denoted by q1 and q2, and p1 and p2. The
density of fluid is denoted by .
a) Identify the elements and write down the elemental equations.
b) Write down the structural equation(s) and identify them as continuity or
compatability equation(s).
c) Derive the input (qi)-output (qo) relation for the system.
Ans. : c) C(2R o + R)

dq 0
+ q 0 = qi
dt

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM I-9:

A hydraulic accumulator is illustrated in the figure. It is

used to damp out pressure pulses by storing fluid during

pressure peaks and releasing fluid during periods of low
pressure.

q
qi

p
qo

Determine the governing equation for this system in terms of the variables p (pressure at the
junction, qi (incoming volume flow rate), and qo (outgoing volume flow rate) which represent
small deviations from the equilibrium conditions.
Neglect any friction as well as any pressure drop at the junction. The piston has a mass m and
area A, the spring constant is k, and y is the displacement of the piston from the equilibrium
position.
Ans.: m ( 
qi 
q o ) + k ( qi q o ) = A 2 p
PROBLEM I-10:

In order to harden a steel shaft, it is heated to a temperature of Tos and then it is quenched in a
small can containing mb kg of water at an initial temperature of Tob. Thus while the shaft is
cooling down, the bath temperature will be increased as a result of the quenching process.
The convective heat transfer coefficient, and the surface area and mass of the steel shaft are
denoted by h, A, and ms, respectively. The specific heats of the steel shaft and the water are
denoted by cs and cb.
Obtain the differential equations governing the variations of the shaft temperature Ts and bath
temperature Tb as functions of time.

Ans.:

m b cb ms cs d 2Ts
dT
m c m c d 2Tb
dT
+ (m b c b + ms cs ) b = 0
+ (m b cb + ms cs ) s = 0 , b b s s
2
2
hA
dt
hA
dt
dt
dt

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

II/ Transfer Functions & Block Diagrams

PROBLEM II-1:
Consider a simple dynamic model of a vehicle travelling on a
rough road surface. The mass represents the mass of the body
and the spring and damper represent the suspension springs
and dampers. The input is the road surface profile velocity,
i.e. z . If the output is the displacement y of the body,

m
k

a) obtain the input-output relation,

b) write the transfer function,
c) draw the block diagram.

 + cy + ky = cz + kz
Ans.: a) my

PROBLEM II-2:
The mechanical system
shown
in
the
figure
illustrates a rack and pinion
pair. The pinion has a
companion disk as shown.

V(t) (input)
b

J, Ri, Ro
Pinion

Disk

The mass of the translating rack is denoted by

m, b denotes the viscous damping coefficient
of the rope, and k is the stiffness of the
restraint on the rack. J, Ri and Ro represent
total inertia of the pinion and the disk, pinion
and disk radii, respectively.

Rack
m

x(t)
(output)

For this system,

a) obtain the input-output relation,
b) write the transfer function, and
c) draw the block diagram.

R2 .

R
Ans.: a) (m +
) x + b i x + kx = b i V
R o2
R o2
Ro

..

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM II-3:
The transmission system shown below consists of 2 shafts, 2 gears and a wheel. One of the
shafts is assumed to be rigid while torsional stiffness of the other is denoted by k. Inertias of
the shafts, gears and the wheel are lumped and represented by I1 to I4. R1 and R2 are the radii

of the pinion and the gear. Viscous friction exists in all bearings with viscous friction
coefficient b. If the input of the system is the torque applied on shaft 1 and the output is the
angular position of wheel,
a) obtain the input-output relation,
b) write the transfer function, and
c) draw the block diagram.

Tin

R1
II12

I1
b

Wheel

R2

out

Rigid Shaft
I4

I3
b

..

..

Ans. : a) I1 1 + b 1 + k1 = Tin + kn3 and I2 n 2 + (I3 + I 4 ) 3 + (n 2 + 2)b 3 + kn 23 = kn1

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM II-4:
For the system illustrated in the figure, model the turbine as a resistive element (load) with a
resistance coefficient of RL and

a) obtain the input-output relation,

b) write the transfer function,
c) draw the block diagram.
Note that the lake is assumed to be have infinite capacitance (show that the time rate of
change of pressure becomes zero for any flow rate under this assumption !) and thus can be
modeled as a constant pressure source.
Lak

P1
(inp

Ans.: a) Cf IP (R v +R L )

Surge Tank
Long pipe (Ip,
Rp)

d 2 Qo
dt 2

Q1 P2

+ [ Cf (R v +R L )R P +I P ]

P3

Turbine

Valve

Qo
(outp

dQo
+(R v +R L +R P )Qo = P1
dt

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM II-5:

In the cooling system shown below, heat is removed at a rate, Qout, from the cooling room.
Although the walls of the cooler are isolated, there is still heat transfer between the cooler and
the surroundings. The thermal resistance of the cooler walls is denoted by R and the ambient
temperature is given as To. The cooler room has a thermal capacitance of Cc and the
temperature inside the cooler is denoted by Tc. Consider a mass m, with a specific heat cm,
placed in the room. Taking the convective heat transfer coefficient between the mass and the
cooler room as h, and the surface area of the mass as A,
a) obtain the differential equation relating Tm (temperature of the mass) to Qout and To,
b) write the transfer functions between Tm and Qout, and Tm and To,
c) draw the block diagram.

Cc, Tc

To

h, A
Qout
m, cm, Tm

Ans.: a) RCc R m Cm

d 2Tm
dt 2

+ (RCm + RCc + R m Cm )

dTm
+ Tm = Rq out T0
dt

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM II-6:

Consider the hydro-mechanical system illustrated in the figure below.

a) Identify and list all the elements in this system. Write down all the elemental
equations. Note that you can write two elemental equations for the cylinder&piston
as it is a transformer between hydraulic and mechanical parts of the system.
b) Write down all the structural equations; first the continuity and then the
compatibility equations.
c) Draw the detailed block diagram for the system making use of the Laplace
transforms of the elemental and structural equations.

qi (input)

p1

Cf

g
kb

R
p2

qo
Ap

k
m
c
y (output)

Ans. : c)
1
Ap

P2(s)
Qi(s)
+ _

Qt(s)

Qo(s)

1
Cf s

P1(s)
+

1
R

Qo(s)

X(s)
1
Aps +

Fk(s)
_ Fm(s)
_
Y(s)

kb

+
Fp(s)

_
Fc(s)

1 sY(s) 1
ms
s

Y(s)

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM II-7:

A hydraulic system is illustrated in the figure below. Assume that the fluid has a density
and is incompressible, h2>h3, and the pipe is short. Rp, Rv, A1, and A2 denote the valve and
pipe resistances and tank areas, respectively.
a) Identify the elements and write down the corresponding elemental equations.
b) Obtain the differential equation relating the input (fluid flow rate qi into tank 1) to

the output (height of the fluid h2 in tank 2).

qi
Pipe, Rp

h1
h3

g
h2

q1

Rv
A1

Tank 1

Rp A1A 2 d2 h2 Rp
+ A1 1+
Ans. : b)

g dt 2 R v

A2

Tank 2

qo

Valve

dh2 g
+
+ A2
h2 = qi

dt R v

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM II-8:

R1

i1

i2

R2

i3
Vi(t)

+
_

Vo(t

For the electrical circuit illustrated above, which consists of two resistances (R1, R2), a
capacitance (C), and an inductance (L),
a) obtain the governing differential equations for the system,
V (s)
I (s)
and o ,
b) find the transfer functions 2
Vi (s)
Vi (s)
c) draw the block diagram considering Vi(t) as input and Vo(t) as output.
Ans. : a)

i -i
d 2i
di1
i -i
dV di
R1 + 1 2 = i , 2 R 2 1 2 + L 2 = 0
dt
C
dt
dt
C
dt 2

PROBLEM II-9:

Complete the block diagram of a system represented by the equations below. Make sure that
correct signs at the summers are also inserted and enter the relevant variable name on every
signal.
eb = K b , L
Ea (s)

1
Ls

di
 + b = T = Ki, = 
+ Ri + eb = ea , J
dt
1
Js

1
s

(s )

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM II-10:

Simplify the block diagram to obtain the overall transfer function. You can choose either
block diagram algebra or manipulate the equations for the blocks.
A
R(s

G1

+
_

E
B

Q
+

C(s

G2
H1

+
_

(1+G1 )G 2
C(s)
=
Ans. :
R(s) 1+G 2 (H 2 -H1 )

H2

PROBLEM II-11:
Simplify the block diagram down to a single block and obtain the overall transfer function for
the system. You can choose either block diagram algebra or manipulate the equations for the

blocks.
A
R(s
+

Ans. :

K1

G3

_
E
_

G1

K2

G2
T

Q
S

C(s

H2

G 1 ( G 2 + G3 )
C(s)
=
R(s) 1 + K1G1 + K 2 G1G 2 H 2

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM II-12:

Reduce the block diagram, given below, to a single block and write down the overall transfer
function for the system.
Q

H1

R(s)

E
+

G1 P

C(s)

G2

B1
+

B2

H3

Ans. :

H2

G1G 2
C
=
R 1+ G1B1 + G1G 2 H1 + G1G 2 H3B2 + G1G 2 H 2 H3

PROBLEM II-13:

Obtain the closed loop transfer function, T(s)=

C(s)
, for the block diagram given below.
R(s)

H1
R(s) +
_

G1

+
_

G2

G3

C(s)

H2
H3

Ans. :

(H1 + G 2 )G1G 3
1 + (H1 + G 2 )G 3H3 + G 2 H 2 + (H1 + G 2 )G1G 3

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM II-14:

Obtain the closed loop transfer function, T(s)=

C(s)
, for the block diagram given below.
R(s)

G8

R(s) +

C(s)

_
_

G5

G1
G2

Ans. :

G6

G4

G3

G7

G1G 5
C(s)
=
R(s) 1+G1G 2 +G1G 5G8 +G1G 3G 5 (G 4 +G 6G 7 )

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

III/ Control System Components

PROBLEM III-1:

A linear actuator (solenoid) consists of a mass m, and a parallel connection of a linear spring
of stiffness k1 and a linear viscous damper of coefficient c. The resistance of the solenoid coil
is R and its inductance is L. The electromagnetic coupling constant is K. The actuator excites
one end of a massless rigid bar which is pivoted at point O as illustrated in the figure. The
motion of the other end of the bar is restrained by a linear spring of stiffness k2.
a) Write down the elemental and structural equations for the system. Neglect
gravity.
b) Draw the detailed block diagram showing each element by a block. Do not
combine blocks.
c) Obtain the overall transfer function.
L1

L2

y1
e

R, L
m

k1

(inp

y2
(outp
)

k2

Ans.:
Y2 (s)
K
=
E(s)
L
L1 3
L1 2
L
L
2 L1
+ k 2 L 2 s + k1 1 R + k 2 2 R
mL s + (mR + cL) s + (cR + k1 L K )
L2
L2
L2
L1
L1

L2
K
-

+
E(s)

1
Ls

I(s)

..

FP(s) -

m Y1

- -

1
s

1
ms

-L 2
L1

Y1 (s)

Y2 (s)

c
k
k2

L2
L1

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM III-2:

A hydraulic servomotor, controlled by

Load

Power Piston & Cylinder

a rigid massless lever, drives a load as

Ap
p2

Write

the

illustrated in the figure.

a)

Ideal
Input
Damper Lever

differential

equation representing the input

output relation for the system taking x

p1

a
Pilot valve

(output)

as the input an z as the output.

x
(input)
drain

Ps

drain

b) Obtain the overall transfer function. Note that m represents the total mass of the

load, piston, and piston rod.

You can use the linearized relation q = K1x K 2 p .

a+b
Ans. : K 2 mz + A 2p + K 2 c z = K 2 c
x + K1A p x
b

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM III-3:

A centrifuge used in training pilots is shown in the picture

(t)

and is illustrated with a conceptual block diagram below. The

centrifuge consists of rotating arms, carrying a gondola,
rotated at a controlled speed to simulate the high
accelerations to which the pilots are subjected during flight.
a) Write down the elemental equations for the component

models and obtain the overall transfer function relating the

input (t) (angular position of the potentiometer knob) to the
output (t) (angular speed of the centrifuge arms).
The main specifications of the system components are listed below.
Centrifuge : Moment of inertia J.
Gearbox : Reduction ratio n, negligible moment of inertia.
DC Servomotor : Armature resistance R, Armature inductance L, Torque constant K, Back
emf constant Kb, negligible moment of inertia.
DC Amplifier : Amplification factor Ka.
Potentiometer : Constant Kp.
Tachometer : Constant KT.
b) Draw a detailed block diagram for the system.

Ans. :
a)

nKK a K p
(s)
(s) =
JLs 2 + Rs + nK ( K a K t + nK b )

(s)

Kp

+
_

Ea(s)
Ka

+
_

1
Ls

I(s
)

R
Kb

b)

Tm(s)

Tg(s)
n

m(s)

1
Js

(s)

Kt

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM III-4:

Consider the system illustrated in the figure. Note that the bar AB is rigid and massless
(ignore the bar between point B and the mass). Consider small displacements only. The
solenoid parameters are the mass m of the plunger, ideal spring constant k, viscous damping
coefficient c and resistance R and the inductance L of the coil. The electromagnetic coupling
constant, coil current, and the voltage applied to solenoid terminals are denoted by Kb, i, and
e. The load is modelled by a mass M and a spring of constant K, together with viscous

friction of coefficient C between the mass and the ground.

e
i

x1

Solenoid

m, k, c,
R, L, Kb

x2
K

M
C

a) Represent solenoid dynamics with two differential equations; one for the mechanical

and one for the electrical side. Note that a resistive force FL acts on the mechanical
side due to the load represented by the bar AB and the mass-spring-viscous friction
subsystem.
b) How many degrees of freedom does the system have ? Explain.
c) Write down all the relevant elemental and structural equations for the rest of the

system.
d) Draw the detailed block diagram of the system with e as the input and x2 as the

output.
Ans. :

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

k
Kb
c

E(s)
+

_
1 I(s)
Kb
Ls

+
_

FL(s)

s2X1(s) sX1(s) X1(s)

a X2(s)
1
1
1

b
m
s
s
a
M
b

a
C
b

+
+

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM III-5:

An electro-hydro-mechanical system is shown in the figure. A dc electric motor drives a

positive displacement pump and is controlled by the armature voltage ea. Relevant parameters
are indicated on the figure. The total inertia of the motor and the pump is denoted by JT. The
load is represented by a mass-spring system. Viscous friction is assumed between the mass
and the ground.
The pump flow rate q is assumed to be proportional to to shaft speed, i.e. : q = K f
The resistance and inertance of the pipes as well as the friction between the piston and the
cylinder are negligible.
+ ea

DC
Electri
c

Ap

Tm

= 

Positiv
eDisp.
Pump

JT

k
c

Ra = armature resistance Kf = pump flow constant

m = mass

La = armature inductance JT = total inertia (motor + pump)

k = spring constant

Kb = back emf constant

= shaft angular position

c = coefficient of viscous friction

a) Write down a complete set of equations for the dc electric motor. Clearly indicate the

terms coupling the electrical and mechanical parts. Draw a detailed block diagram of
the motor (Input : armature voltage, Ea; Output : Motor shaft angular position, m).
b) Draw a block diagram of the pump (Input : shaft speed, ; Output : pump flow rate,
q).
c) Write down a complete set of equations for the hydraulic actuator (cylinder+piston).

Draw a block diagram of the actuator (Input : pump flow rate, q; Output : load
displacement, x). Note that you need to use only one of the equations to draw the
block diagram.

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

d) Now assemble all the previously drawn individual block diagrams (Input : armature

voltage, Ea; Output : load displacement, x). Note that the angular position of the
shaft is of no interest to us and thus need not be included in the block diagram.
e) Note that the effects of the load dynamics (mass+spring+friction) do not appear in

the block diagram. This is because once the flow rate is specified, the velocity of the
mass is dictated. On the other hand, load dynamics determine the pressure at the
outlet of the pump. Thus write a differential equation to relate pump pressure p to
the displacement x of the mass. Draw a detailed block diagram of the load (Input :
load displacement, x; Output : pressure at pump outlet, p). Do not worry if you have
to enter s or its powers in the numerator !
Ans. :
Tm(s)
1 Ia(s)
1 s(s) 1 (s)
Kt
La s
JT s
s

Ea(s) +

Ra

Eb(s)

Kb

a)
(s)

b)

Kf

Q(s)

Q(s)

1 X(s)
Aps

Ea(s)

c)

+_

Tm(s) 1 s(s)
1 Ia(s)
Kt
La s
JT s

Eb(s)

Q(s)

1 X(s)
Aps

Kb

d)
X(s)

s2X(s

sX(s)

ms
c

e)

Kf

+ +

1 P(s)
Ap

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM III-6: (See Nise, Problem 2.46)

Consider the electro-mechanical

N2=2

system illustrated in the figure. A

ct=1 Nm/rad/s

+ ea -

fixed current is applied to the

You can neglect the inertia of the

armature

rotor

inductance

of

and
the

R=2 m,
J=1

DC
Electric
Motor

field circuit of the electric motor.

N1=1
Ra=1
Kb=1 V/rad/s
Kt=1 Nm/A
m=1 kg

the

armature

circuit.

x(t)

c=1N/m/s

a) Write

the

elemental

equations.
b) Draw

the

corresponding

detailed block diagram of the

system. Use symbols only in the
blocks. Do not insert numerical
values yet !
c) Insert the numerical values for the parameters and find the
overall transfer function X(s)/Ea(s) which should not contain any
symbols with the exception of Laplace variable s.

Ans. : b)
1
R

Ea(s)
+

b(s)

1
R a a(s)

Kt
Kb

m(s)

sm(s)

n
n

2(s)

1(s)
+

RF(s)
s(s)

Ct

1
R
1 F(s)
R +

1
R

s2X(s)

Ms

sX(s)

1
s X(s)

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

c) G(s) =

4
5

9
s2 + s
4

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

IV/ Stability
PROBLEM IV-1:
Write down the characteristic equation for the
system with the block diagram shown in the

R(s)
+_

2
C(s)
(s+1)(s+2)

Kp

figure.

(s+4)

Ans. : s3 + 3s 2 + 2 1+ K p s + 8K p = 0

PROBLEM IV-2:
Block diagram of a position control system for a space camera is given. Show that the system
is unstable and determine the number of poles with positive real parts. All constants take
positive values only.

d(s)
+_

Integrating
Amplifier Generator
Kg
Potentiometer
A
Ka
Rf
s
Tm s + 1

Motor
Km
s ( Tm s + 1)

(s)

Mechanical linkage
Ans. : There are two roots with positive real parts.

PROBLEM IV-3:
Consider the control system for an inertial load, as represented by the block diagram shown.
a) Determine the value of the open loop gain (K=bKaKmKf) which results in a marginally
stable system, if the time constants for the motor (Tm) and for the load (TL) are specified
to be 0.05 and 0.20 seconds, respectively.
b) What is the undamped frequency of oscillation of the marginally stable system ?
Control
Inertial
Motor
Load
Amplifier
(s)
b
d(s)
Km
Ka
s ( TL s + 1)
Tm s + 1
+_
Kf

Sensor

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

Ans. : a) 0<K<25, b) for K=25 the system poles are -25, -10j, 10j, which yield asymptotic
stability and the undamped frequency of oscillations of the marginally stable system 10 rad/s;
for K=0 the system poles are -20, -5, 0, which again result in asymptotic stability and in this
case the response is not oscillatory.

PROBLEM IV-4:
For the two characteristic equations given, use Rouths array to determine whether there are
any roots with positive real parts, and if there are, the number of such roots.
5

a) D(s)= s +7s +19s +25s +16s+4

4

b) D(s)= s +2s +8s +12s +20s +16s+16

Ans. : a) None, b) None.

PROBLEM IV-5:
For the characteristic equations listed below, use Matlab to define the characteristic equation
by a row vector of the coefficient of powers of s as illustrated. Then print the command
roots(p) and press enter to find the roots. Comment on the stability of the systems.
3

s +12s +46s+52=0
4

p=[1, 12, 46, 52]

roots(p)

a) 3s +10s +5s +8s+8=0

6

b) s +2s +8s +12s +20s +16s+16=0

Ans. : a) -2.9729, 0.2533 + 0.9851i, 0.2533 - 0.9851i, -0.8670, b) -0.0000 + 2.0000i, -0.0000
- 2.0000i, -1.0000 + 1.0000i, -1.0000 - 1.0000i, 0.0000 + 1.4142i, 0.0000 - 1.4142i

PROBLEM IV-6:
Consider the block diagram for a control system. Determine the ranges of the control
parameters Kp and Ti permissable for a stable system and plot the permissable range on the
parameter plane.
R(s)
+_

1
K p 1 +

Ti s

1
( s + 3)

C(s)

1
s +1

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

Ans. : Ti >

Kp
4(3 + K p )

, Ti > 0, K p > 0

Stable

Unstable

PROBLEM IV-7:
The characteristic polynomial of a control system is given as
D(s) = Ts3 + 4Ts 2 + (K + 3)Ts + K
Find and plot the admissable ranges of T and K on the parameter plane such that the system
has a stability margin of at least 1.
1
0.95
0.9
0.85

0.8
0.75

Stable

0.7
0.65
0.6
0.55
0.5

Unstable
2

10

12

14

16

18

20

Ans. : T >

K
, T >0
2( K 1)
Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM IV-8:
Consider the system with the block diagram
as shown.

a) Determine the value(s) of the controller

R(s)
+_

Controller

( s + 40)
s ( s +10)

Kp

C(s)

1
s + 20

gain Kp that will make the system

marginally stable.

b) What will be the frequency of oscillations of the unforced response of the marginally
stable system to an initial condition ?

c) If the value of Kp is selected as 200, determine if the stability margin of the system is less
or more than 1.
Ans. : a) Kp=600 and Kp=0, b) 28.3 rad/s, c) More than 1.

PROBLEM IV-9:
Consider the unity feedback system with the
block diagram as shown.

5( s + 20)

R(s)
+_

C(s)

s ( s + 2)( s + 3)

a) Show that the system is unstable. Find the

number of unstable poles.
Assume that a proportional controller of gain K>0 is added to the system.
b) Check if it is possible to stabilize the
system by a proper choice of the
proportional gain K. If the answer is yes,

R(s)
+_

5( s + 20)

C(s)

s ( s + 2)( s + 3)

determine the range of values of K for

which the system is stable.
c) For which value(s) of K will the system be marginally stable? Determine the frequency of
oscillations of the unforced response of the marginally stable system.
d) Determine the range of values of K such that the stability margin of the system is at least
0.5.

Ans. : a) Two poles with positive real parts, b) 0<K<2, c) K=2, 2.83 rad/s, d) 0.096<K<0.500.

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

V/ Transient Response
PROBLEM V-1:

cs(t)

Estimate the time constant (illustrate on the figure)

AK

for a first order system with the step response as

shown in the figure.

Time [s]
0

Ans. : ~2 seconds

1 2 3 4 5 6

PROBLEM V-2:
T [oC]

A thermometer, reading 27oC initially, is

tested by dipping it in water at a constant

27

temperature of 15oC. The variation of the

thermometer reading is recorded and plotted
as shown in the figure.

15

The same temperature brought back to steady

state once more such that it reads 27 oC just
above the surface of a lake.

3.6

Time [s]

It is then is lowered into the lake at a constant speed of 0.3 m/s. Water temperature in the lake
decreases by 1.8oC for each meter below the surface. Determine the thermometer reading
when the thermometer reaches a depth of 3 meters. What is the reading error for the
thermometer ?
Ans. : 22.46 o C , -0.86 o C

PROBLEM V-3:
Transfer functions for two different first order systems are given below. Which of these two
systems will have a faster response ? Explain.
G1 (s) =

4
3s +1

G 2 (s) =

0.1
s + 0.2

Ans. : System 1

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM V-4:
The water level in the tank, shown in the figure, as well as the volume flow rates in and out of
the tank are initially constant at h, Qi , and Qo . The volume flow rate into the tank is
suddenly increased by 2 m3/s. The increase in water level in the tank is plotted versus time.

Determine the effective cross-sectional area of the tank.

Qi + Qi

H
c s[m]
(t

K
10

p+p

R1
Qo + Qo

TimeTim
[s]
1

T
12

Hint : Write the input-output relation originally at steady state and then after the step input in
flow rate. Be careful with the units - make sure you write the units for all calculated values !
Ans. : 2.4 m 2
c(t)

PROBLEM V-5:

The response of a system, to an impulse of

magnitude (strength) 0.1, is measured and

plotted as shown in the figure. Estimate the
response of the same system, 3 seconds after
the application of a step input of magnitude
0.2.

Ans. : 15.5

Time [s]

PROBLEM V-6:

If the overall transfer function of a third order system is given as

G(s) =

32

( s + 12 ) ( s2 + 4s + 20.25)

calculate an approximate value for the undamped natural frequency.

Hint : Consider the locations of the poles
Ans. : 4.5 rad/s
Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM V-7:

Consider the single degree of freedom mass-springload of mass m is placed on the mass M. Model the

M+m

damper system illustrated in the figure. Assume that a

g
k

presence of the load as an initial condition on the

displacement of the mass. Find an equivalent transfer

function, the unit step response of which will represent the
M
m
k
c

motion of the mass when the load is suddenly lifted off.

Hint : Examine solved example 5-9 in Ogata.
Ans. : G(s) = -

(0.05717s 2 + 0,18294s)
s 2 + 3.2s + 48

=
=
=
=

250
70
12
800

kg
kg
kN/m
N/m/s

PROBLEM V-8:

Consider a standard second order system.

a) Starting with the expression for the general unit step response, obtain an expression
to calculate the rise time.
b) Calculate the delay time for the system specified by an undamped natural
frequency of 2.5 Hz and a damping ratio of 0.5.
Ans. : 0.082 s
PROBLEM V-9:

The unit step response due to black poles only are given. Superimpose the unit step response
when all the poles are considered.

I
R

c(t)

c(t)

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM V-10:

A control system designed to maintain a desired torque on a shaft is represented by the block
diagram shown. The transient response specifications to be provided are selected as follows.
Rise time < 5 s,
Maximum Overshoot < 12 %,
2 % settling time < 15 s
Determine the acceptable ranges for the parameters K1 and K2.
Contr
ol
2
s+4

Controlle
K1
s

Td(s)
+
_
Desire
d
Shaft

K2

Ta(s)
Actual
shaft
torque

Shaft torque

Ans. : 2.16 K1 K 2 6.4

PROBLEM V-11:

Write a script m-file to determine the unit step response of a system represented by the block
diagram below with K1=1.32 and K2=1.14.
a) Plot the response.
b) Calculate the values of all the transient response specifications.
c) Compare the calculated maximum overshoot and the 5% settling time values with
- the values read from the plot, and
- the specifications of the example solved in class.
R(s)

K1
+

+
_

s + 3

1
s

C (s)

K2

Ans. : td=1.2 s, tr=2.6s, Mp=1.07 (tMp=3.58s), ts=4.25s

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM V-12:

Consider the control system represented by the

block diagram shown.

i(s
+_

a) Calculate the maximum overshoot and 2

1
s ( s + 1)

25

o(s)

% settling time of the system.

b) A velocity feedback is added to the

system, as shown in the block diagram, to

improve the transient response of the system.

25
( s + 1)

i(s
+_

+_

1 o(s)
s

Kt

Determine the value Kt such that the system

will have a damping ratio of 0.7.
Ans. : a) t s ( 2% ) 8s , b) Kt=0.24
PROBLEM V-13:
Consider the block diagram of a space
telescope pointing control system. Kp and

R(s)
+_

Kd are positive parameters to be used to

obtain the desired performance.
a) Determine

the

relation

between

the

3
s

0.5
s

C(s)

Kd
Kp

parameters Kp and Kd such that the

damping ratio is critical.
Plot Kp versus Kd and clearly indicate the regions in which the system is underdamped
and overdamped.
b) Select ranges of values for the parameters Kp and Kd such that for a step input, the
maximum overshoot is 4% and the peak time is less than 2 seconds. In specifying the

required parameter ranges, make sure that you use the proper equality and/or inequality
signs.
Ans. : a) K p = 0.042K d2 or K d2 = 24K p , c) Kp>3.375, Kd>6.45

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM V-14:

Transient response specifications for a unit

step input for the system with the block
diagram shown in the figure are specified as :

R(s)
+_

G c (s)

1
s (s + 2 )

(s

Peak time = 1 s
Percent overshoot = 5 %
a) Show, without any calculations that these two specifications cannot be satisfied

simultaneously by using proportional control Gc(s)=Kp.

b) What type of controller would you use to satisfy both specifications simultaneously

without reducing the stability ? Explain!

Ans. : a) K p = 2.1 or K p = 18.8 required !.

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM V-15:

Unit step response of a control system is obtained and presented below.

a) Estimate (clearly indicate which values you take from the figure)

- Rise time (0 to 100 %),

- Maximum overshoot (percent),
- Peak time,
- Settling time (5 %).
b) Assume that the system is a second order system without numerator dynamics and

determine the undamped natural frequency and damping ratio.

Step Response

1.5
System: G
Peak amplitude: 1.4
Overshoot (%): 40.2
At time (sec): 4.91
System: G
Rise Time (sec): 2.98

System: G
Settling Time (sec): 16.3

Amplitude

0.5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Time (sec)

Ans. : a) 3.0 s, 40 %, 4.9 s, 17 s, b) = 0.28, n = 0.65 rad / s .

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

VI/ Steady State Response and Error

PROBLEM VI-1:

Write down the open loop transfer function

OLTF(s) of the closed loop system with the

R(s)
+_

G1

G2

C(s)

block diagram as shown.

H

Ans. : G=G1G2H
PROBLEM VI-2:

A unit step input is applied to the system

represented by the block diagram shown.
Determine the time domain response, i.e. c(t),

R(s)
+_

K
s + ps + q
a
s+b

as time goes to infinity, i.e. the steady state

response, of the system.
Ans. : css =

C(s)

Kb
(check stability first !)
(qb + Ka)

PROBLEM VI-3:

Consider the block diagram of a system designed to control the depth of a submarine. The
actual depth is measured by a pressure transducer and is compared with the desired depth.
The error is amplified and is then used to drive the stern plane actuator.
Determine the value of the
amplifier gain such that the
steady state error for a unit

R(s)
+_

Ka

( s + 1)2

C(s)

s s + 0.1

ramp input will be less than 5

%.
Ans. : K a > 2 (check stability first !)

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM VI-4:

What is the steady state error of the unity feedback system with an open loop transfer
function
1 1
G(s) = K p

Ts + 1 s 2

to an acceleration input of magnitude R ?

Hint : Is it defined ?
PROBLEM VI-5:
a) If the steady state error for a unit ramp

R(s)
input of the unity feedback system,
+_
represented by the block diagram shown, is

Kp

(s+4)
s

2
C(s)
(s+1)(s+2)

required to be equal to or less than 2%,

determine the minimum value of Kp.
b) Is it possible to use this value for actual operation ? If not, calculate the maximum value of
Kp that can be used and the resulting steady state error.

Ans. : a) K p 12.5 , b) Kp<3, ess > 0.08 or 8%

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM VI-6:

Consider the position control of an inertial load with damping. A tachometer is built-in the
electric motor and provides a feedback proportional to the angular velocity of the load.
a) Determine the values of the control parameters Kp and Kt such that the undamped
natural frequency of the system is 1 rad/s, and the system is critically damped.
b) Calculate the values of the control parameters Kp and Kt such that the steady state error
due to a unit ramp input is less than 0.03 when the damping ratio is 0.5 and the
disturbance is zero.
c) What should be the values of Kp and Kt if the steady state error due to a unit step
disturbance is to be less than 0.01. Note that, in this case, the steady state error is defined
as the steady state value of the output itself as the desired input is now zero. Thus, you
should re-draw the block diagram with the disturbance as the input and evaluate the
output as time goes to infinity.
J = 15 kgm2
b = 3 Nm/rad/s

i(s
+_

+_

Disturbance
Controller
Kp
+

+
Kt

Motor + Load
1
( Js + b )

1
s

o(s)

Tachometer

Ans. : a) K t =1.8 , b) Kp > 16667, Kt < 0.0298, c) K p >100 (check stability first !)

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM VI-7:

The block diagram of a unity feedback speed control system is shown in the figure.
a) Determine the type of the system. Explain how you have decided.
b) Obtain the open loop gain K of the system.
c) Decide if it is possible to obtain a steady state error less than 0.04 by a proper choice of
the controller gain Kc, if the input is specified as r(t)=0.9t.
Controller

R(s)

Kc

C (s)

1
s

(s + 5 ) (s + 1 0 )
2

Ans. : a) Type 1, b) K=3Kc/56, c) No.

PROBLEM VI-8:

Consider the block diagram of a nose-wheel steering system for medium size aircraft, shown
below.
a) Write down the open loop transfer function and determine the type and open loop gain K

the of the system.

b) Calculate the amplifier gain Ka, to result in the minimum possible steady state error in

response to a unit step input. Further calculate the value of the minimum achievable
steady state error.
Desired
wheel heading

R(s)
+_

Ans. :

a) T(s) =

Amplifier

Clutch

Ka

1
s+5

Actuator

15

Actual
wheel heading

C(s)

s 2 + 3s + 2

15K a
, type zero, open loop gain=3Ka/2,
( s +1)( s + 2 )( s + 5 )

b) Ka<8.4, ess => 0.106

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM VI-9:

Consider the block diagram of a unity feedback system shown in the figure.
R(s)

144
s ( s + 3 )( s + 1 2 )

C (s)

a) Determine the system type and open loop gain. Obtain the steady state error for a unit

ramp input.
b) Add a proportional controller of gain Kp>0 to the system. Determine the minimum steady

state error for a ramp input achievable with the controlled system.
c) Which controller type can be used to reduce the steady state error of this system to a

ramp input to zero. Show that you actually get zero steady state error to a ramp input
with your controller.
Ans. : a) Type 1, K=144/36=4, b) Kp<3.75, ess = 0.067 .

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

VIII/ Basic Control Actions and Controllers

PROBLEM VIII-1:

Consider the system represented by the block diagram given.

a) If proportional control Gc(s)=Kp is used, determine the value of proportional gain such
that the steady state error of the system due to unit step input is equal to or less than 1%.
b) It is decided to use a proportional+
integral (PI) control.

R(s)
+_

1
4s + 1

G c (s)

C(s)

1
G c (s) = K p 1 +

Ti s

instead of proportional only control. Determine the values of the proportional gain and the
integral time such that the 2% settling time is less than or equal to 4 seconds, and the steady
state error for unit ramp input is equal to or less than 1%.
Ans. : a) Kp 99, b) Kp 7, Ti 0.07
PROBLEM VIII-2:

Consider the system with the block diagram as

R(s)
+_
a) Show that the uncontrolled system (with

shown.

G c (s)

s+2

s s2 - 3

C(s)

no controller : Gc(s)=1) is always unstable.

b) Try proportional control, i.e. Gc(s)=Kp. Can the system be stabilized for some value of
the parameter Kp ?
c) Try now PI control with :
G c (s) = K p +

Ki
s

Can you find some values of the parameters Kp and Ki for which the system is stabilized ?
d) Finally use PD control with :
G c (s) = K p + K d s

Find and sketch the region for the stable operation of the system in the parameter plane.
Ans. : d) K p >

3 2Kd
2
(1
)
Kd
Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM VIII-4:

A proportional control system is used for

controlling

the

temperature

of

an

exothermal (unstable) chemical reaction.

a) Determine if the system is stable for a

Controll Heate

Tr(s)
+_

2.5
5s +1

Kp

Transdu

proportional gain of 100.

b) To improve the stability of the
system, derivative control is added to the
proportional

control.

Reactio
n
0.8 T(s)
3s 1

Determine

the

Controll

Tr(s)
+_

Reactio
n
2.5
0.8 T(s)
5s +1 3s 1

Heate

K p (1 + Td s )

value of derivative gain Td for a stability

Transdu

margin of at least 1, if the value of Kp is

100.

Ans. : a) Unstable, b) 0.16<Td < 1.08

PROBLEM VIII-3:

Consider the system with the block diagram as

shown.

3
2s + 1

R(s)
+_

C(s)

a) Estimate the time required to reach steady

state.
b) What is the steady state error for a unit step input ?
Now insert a PI controller with the transfer function

1
G c (s) = K p 1 +

Ti s

in the control system, and re-draw the block diagram. If the values of the proportional gain
and the integral time are selected as 4 and 0.15 seconds, Use Matlab to :
c) Calculate the 2% settling time.
d) Determine the steady state error for a unit step input.
e) Calculate the values of the proportional gain and the integral time to be used if the steady
state error for a unit ramp input is to be less than 1 % and the 2% settling time is to be
less than 1 second.
Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM VIII-4:

Consider the position control of an inertial load with a proportional controller of gain Kp. A
tachometer is built-in the electric motor and provides a feedback proportional to the angular
velocity of the load.
a) Determine the values of the control parameters Kp and Kt such that the undamped
natural frequency of the system is at least 2 rad/s, and the system is critically damped.
b) Calculate the values of the control parameters Kp and Kt such that the steady state error
due to a unit ramp input is less than 5% when the damping ratio is 0.5 and the
disturbance is zero.
c) What should be the values of Kp and Kt if the steady state error due to a unit step
disturbance is to be less than 2.5%

Note : In specifying the required parameter values, make sure that you use the proper equality
and/or inequality signs.
Disturbance
i(s
+_

+_

Controller
Kp
+

Ans. : a) Kp 60 b) K p >6000 , K t 0.05-

+
Kt

Motor + Load
1
(15s + 3)

1
s

o(s)

Tachometer

3
c) Kp > 40
Kp

PROBLEM VIII-5:

Consider the position control of an inertial load with the block diagram as shown in the
figure. A tachometer is built-in the electric motor. Disregard disturbance and
a) Assume that a proportional controller, Gc(s)=Kp, is used. If the undamped natural

frequency is to be at least 2.4 rad/s and the damping ratio is to be set to 0.72,
determine the (range of) values of the parameters Kp and Kt.
b) Now, consider the disturbance, D(s), as the only input to the system. Redraw the

block diagram accordingly. What are the conditions on the values of Kp and Kt if the
steady state error due to a unit step disturbance is to be less than 0.025 ?

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

1
c) Finally, assume that a PI controller, G c (s) = K p 1 +
, is used. If Kt=0.25,
Ti s

check the conditions on the selection of the parameters Kp and Ti for stability. If
necessary plot Kp versus Ti and clearly mark the stable and unstable regions.
Disturbance D(s)
Amplifier

R(s)
+_

Motor + Load

Controller

10

+_

G c (s)

3.6
s

1
s

C(s)

Kt
Tachometer

Ans.

a)

K p 0.16 , K t 6 ,

b)

Kp > 4 ,

c)

Kp >

10
0.9 + 36Ti

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

IX/ Frequency ResponsePROBLEM IX-1:

Calculate the steady state response, x(t), of the system with the overall transfer function

T(s) =

X(s)
s
=
Y(s) 0.2s + 1

to a sinusoidal input
y(t)=0.5sin2t.

Ans. : x(t) 0.93sin 2t + 68o

PROBLEM IX-2:

Consider the unity feedback control system with the block diagram shown. Sketch the
approximate Bode plots for the open loop transfer function of the control system.
R(s)
+_

12
s

1
s +1

s + 0.6

C(s

s 2 + 6s + 36

Ans. :

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

Approximated Magnitude of Bode Plot

Approximated Phase of Bode Plot

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM IX-3:

The block diagram of a control system for the stabilization of the roll motion of a ship is
given.
a) Identify the basic factors for the open loop transfer function of the system.
b) Identify the corner frequencies separately for the magnitude and phase plots.
Remember that a corner frequency is defined as the intersection of two straight line
approximations !
c) Plot first the straight line approximations for the basic factors and then sketch the
approximate Bode plots for the open loop transfer function of the system by
graphically adding the contributions of the basic factors. Make sure that the plots are
clear and readable.
Desired
Roll Angle
d(s
+_

Ship Roll
Fin
Dynamics
Controller
Actuator
9 ( s +1)
0.4
10
s Voltage s + 4 Torque s 2 + 0.9s + 9

Actual
Roll Angle
(s

Ans. :

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM IX-4:

The block diagram of a control system for the human steering of an automobile is given.
a) Identify the basic factors for the open loop transfer function of the system.
b) Identify the corner frequencies separately for the magnitude and phase plots.
Remember that a corner frequency is defined as the intersection of two straight line
approximations !
c) Take Kp=1 and plot first the straight line approximations for the basic factors. Then
sketch the approximate Bode plots for the open loop transfer function of the system
by graphically adding the contributions of the basic factors. Mark all the lines and
make sure that the plots are clear and readable.
d) What should be the value of Kp if a magnitude of 0 [dB] is desired at a frequency of
1 [rad/s] ?
Desired
Position

R(s)
+_

Controller
(Driver)

K p (s + 0.1)

Actuator

1
s

Vehicle

1
s + 10

Actual
Position

Y(s)

Ans. : c)

d) 1000

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM IX-5:

Use Matlab to obtain the exact Bode plots for the open loop transfer function of the control
system in problem IX-2 and compare with the approximate plots. You can use the Matlab
command bode(num, den) which provides both the magnitude and phase plots. num and
den are the row vectors for the coefficients of the numerator and denominator polynomials
of the open loop transfer function. Use help Bode for additional information.
Ans. :
% Define s as the Laplace variable
s=tf('s');
% Define transfer function of the system
sys=12*(s+6)/(s*(s+1)*(s^2+6*s+36));
% Draw Bode diagram
BODE(sys)

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

X/ Sensitivity
PROBLEM X-1:

Consider a unity feedback control system with the feedforward transfer function
G(s) =

K
as + 1

Determine the sensitivity of the closed loop transfer function T(s) with respect to the gain K
at steady state.
Ans. : STK ss =

1
1+ K

PROBLEM X-2:

Consider a feedback control system with the feedforward and feedback transfer functions G(s)
and H(s), respectively.
Determine the sensitivity of the closed loop transfer function T(s) with respect to G(s) and
H(s). Can you reduce them both by choosing large controller gains, i.e. G(s)H(s) ?
Ans. : No !

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

PROBLEM X-3:

Consider the unity feedback sytem with the block diagram shown.
a) Obtain the steady state sensitivity of the transfer function with respect to controller
gain Kp and the plant poles p1 and p2.
b) Calculate and plot, simultaneously, the magnitude of the dynamic sensitivity function
of the transfer function for this system with respect to controller gain Kp and the plant
poles p1 and p2, in the frequency range from 0 to 3 rad/s.
c) Considering the sensitivity function magnitudes at 2 rad/s, order the magnitude of the
sensitivities with respect to each parameter, from the least to the most.
Nominal values :
R(s)
+_

Kp = 10
p1 = -1
p2 = -5

Ans. : a) STK =
p

STp =
2

[s(s p1)(s p2 )]
s(s p1 )(s p 2 ) + 10K p

Kp

, STp =
1

10

s ( s p1 )( s p 2 )

p1 [s(s p 2 ) ]
s(s p1 )(s p 2 ) + 10K p

C(s

p 2 [s(s p1 ) ]
s(s p1 )(s p 2 ) + 10K p

c)
Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 304

Middle East Technical University

CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXERCISES

XI/ ROOT LOCUS

PROBLEM XI-1:

The open loop transfer function of a system is given as:

G(s) =

K ( 2s + 1)
s(s + 1)(s + 2)(5s + 1)

a) How many branches of the root locus are there ? Explain.

b) Where do they start and where do they end ?
Ans. : a) 4 branches, b) 1 finite zero at -0.5 and 3 zeroes at infinity. Root loci will start from
poles at 0, -1, -2, and -0.2. One will end at -0.5 and three at infinity.

Prof. Dr. Y. Samim nlsoy