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Brian Neiswander, Nikola Trica, Sam Turton, Ali Nejad, Teresa Hubscher-Younger, and Tianyi Zhu

Welcome to Modeling the Quadcopter Electromechanical System, the third course in the Engineering Design and Simulation Program. This course introduces the electrical part of the system to model the battery and the transfer of electrical energy to power the mechanical components powering the flight of the quadcopter.

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Welcome to Modeling the Quadcopter Electromechanical System, the third course in the Engineering Design and Simulation Program. This course introduces the electrical part of the system to model the battery and the transfer of electrical energy to power the mechanical components powering the flight of the quadcopter.

Building upon the foundations established in the first two courses of the program, this course takes you further in refining the quadcopter system model. You will model the quadcopter’s electromechanical components, which include the battery, motor, and propeller. By simulating the behavior of these components, we will determine if they are sufficient to lift the quadcopter off the ground. You will construct multidomain models, which combine multiple engineering disciplines, such as mechanical and electrical. Prebuilt blocks containing essential physics will be introduced to simplify the modeling process. This approach provides engineers with the right level of detail to evaluate a design without spending time to derive every aspect from scratch.

To further explore the system’s behavior, you will run a parameter sweep, characterizing the performance of the electromechanical system under various conditions. This analysis will provide critical insights into optimizing the quadcopter’s design.

The course project focuses on modeling and simulating the dynamics of a hydraulic braking system. Using an incremental modeling approach, you will start with a starter model and gradually add more functionality while varying the applied brake pressure. This practical project will deepen your understanding of complex system behavior and enhance your modeling and simulation skills.

By the end of this course, you will have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to model and simulate the electromechanical system of the quadcopter. You will understand how to visualize the behavior of complex models through measurements and simulations, enabling you to make informed design decisions.

No prior modeling experience is required. Simulink and Simscape, industry-leading block diagram environments, are used throughout the courses to teach fundamental modeling workflows. You will be provided with a free license for the duration of the program.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • An introduction of the electrical part of the system
  • Model the electromechanical component
  • How to perform a parameter sweep

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on modeling the Quadcopter's electromechanical components, delving into the electrical aspects that are crucial for powering flight
Enhances understanding of the system's behavior through parameter sweeps, enabling optimization of design
Provides a practical project on modeling hydraulic braking system dynamics, deepening comprehension of complex system behavior
Employs industry-leading Simulink and Simscape block diagram environments for fundamental modeling workflows, ensuring relevance to real-world applications
Suitable for individuals who seek to enhance their modeling and simulation skills, regardless of prior experience in this field

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Simulating a Quadcopter's Electromechanics with these activities:
Compile a resource list on electromechanical systems
Compiling a resource list on electromechanical systems will provide you with a valuable reference for further learning and exploration.
Browse courses on Online Courses
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  • Search for online courses, tutorials, and research papers on electromechanical systems.
  • Organize the resources into a structured list, categorizing them by topic or level.
  • Share your resource list with others who may find it beneficial.
Review electrical engineering concepts
Reviewing electrical engineering concepts will strengthen your foundational understanding, making it easier to grasp the advanced concepts introduced in this course.
Browse courses on Electrical Engineering
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  • Revisit basic electrical concepts such as voltage, current, and resistance.
  • Practice solving circuit problems using Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws.
  • Review the operation of basic electrical components like resistors, capacitors, and transistors.
Design and simulate a simple electrical circuit
Designing and simulating a simple electrical circuit will provide hands-on experience in applying the concepts learned in the course.
Browse courses on Circuit Design
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  • Choose a simple circuit topology, such as a voltage divider or amplifier.
  • Calculate the component values using electrical engineering principles.
  • Build the circuit in a simulation software like SPICE or MATLAB.
  • Simulate the circuit to analyze its behavior and verify its functionality.
Five other activities
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Plan and build a small electromechanical device
Planning and building a small electromechanical device will provide hands-on experience in applying the concepts learned in the course and developing your practical skills.
Browse courses on Project Management
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  • Identify a need or problem that can be solved using an electromechanical device.
  • Research and design the device, considering its electrical, mechanical, and control aspects.
  • Build and test the device, making necessary adjustments and optimizations.
Solve electromechanical system problems
Solving electromechanical system problems will reinforce your understanding of the system's behavior and enhance your problem-solving skills.
Show steps
  • Identify the key components of an electromechanical system.
  • Analyze the system's dynamics using mathematical models.
  • Design and implement control algorithms to optimize system performance.
Explore advanced topics in electromechanical systems
Exploring advanced topics in electromechanical systems will broaden your knowledge and enhance your understanding of the latest developments in the field.
Browse courses on Control Theory
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  • Identify areas of interest within electromechanical systems.
  • Seek out online tutorials, research papers, or books on these topics.
  • Study the material thoroughly, taking notes and asking questions when needed.
Contribute to open-source electromechanical projects
Contributing to open-source electromechanical projects will provide practical experience in applying your skills and collaborating with others in the field.
Show steps
  • Find open-source electromechanical projects that align with your interests.
  • Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
  • Make code contributions, design improvements, or provide documentation.
Volunteer at an organization focused on electromechanical systems
Volunteering at an organization focused on electromechanical systems will provide you with practical experience and exposure to industry applications.
Browse courses on Community Involvement
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  • Identify organizations that work with electromechanical systems in your area.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend volunteer events and participate in activities related to electromechanical systems.

Career center

Learners who complete Simulating a Quadcopter's Electromechanics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Simulation Engineer
Simulation Engineers design, develop, and use simulations to model and analyze complex systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from manufacturing simulations to aerospace simulations. This course may be useful for those who want to become Simulation Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of simulations, which are essential for the analysis and understanding of complex systems.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build, and test machines and systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from cars and airplanes to medical devices and manufacturing equipment. This course may be useful for those who want to become Mechanical Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of mechanical systems, which are essential for the operation of modern society.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. They work on a wide range of projects, from industrial robots to medical robots. This course may be useful for those who want to become Robotics Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of robots, which are essential for the automation of many tasks in modern society.
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineers design and build systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. They work on a wide range of projects, from medical devices to manufacturing equipment. This course may be useful for those who want to become Mechatronics Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of mechatronic systems, which are essential for the operation of modern society.
System Dynamics Engineer
System Dynamics Engineers design, develop, and use system dynamics models to simulate and analyze complex systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from business simulations to environmental simulations. This course may be useful for those who want to become System Dynamics Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of system dynamics models, which are essential for the simulation and analysis of complex systems.
Automotive Engineer
Automotive Engineers design, develop, and test vehicles. They work on a wide range of projects, from cars to trucks to buses. This course may be useful for those who want to become Automotive Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of vehicles, which are essential for the transportation of people and goods.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate complex systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from defense systems to medical devices. This course may be useful for those who want to become Systems Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of complex systems, which are essential for the operation of modern society.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. They work on a wide range of projects, from commercial airliners to military aircraft. This course may be useful for those who want to become Aerospace Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of aerospace vehicles, which are essential for the transportation of people and goods.
Control Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineers design and implement systems that control the behavior of machines and systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from industrial control systems to aerospace systems. This course may be useful for those who want to become Control Systems Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of control systems, which are essential for the operation of modern society.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electrical systems and equipment. They work on a wide range of projects, from power generation and distribution to telecommunications and computer networks. This course may be useful for those who want to become Electrical Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of electrical systems, which are essential for the operation of modern society.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers design and implement systems for the production of goods. They work on a wide range of projects, from food processing to automotive manufacturing. This course may be useful for those who want to become Manufacturing Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of manufacturing systems, which are essential for the production of goods.
Research Engineer
Research Engineers conduct research to develop new technologies and products. They work on a wide range of projects, from medical research to energy research. This course may be useful for those who want to become Research Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the research and development of new technologies and products, which are essential for the advancement of society.
Test Engineer
Test Engineers design, develop, and execute tests to ensure that products meet specifications. They work on a wide range of products, from electronics to software. This course may be useful for those who want to become Test Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and execution of tests, which are essential for ensuring the quality of products.
Project Engineer
Project Engineers plan, design, and manage projects. They work on a wide range of projects, from construction projects to software development projects. This course may be useful for those who want to become Project Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the planning, design, and management of projects, which are essential for the success of any organization.
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer designs and builds data pipelines to transform raw data into a usable format for data analysis. Data Engineers use specialized software and programming languages to automate the data pipeline process. This course may be useful for those who want to become Data Engineers because it teaches how to model and simulate electromechanical systems. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of data pipelines, which are essential for the efficient operation of data-driven systems.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Simulating a Quadcopter's Electromechanics.
This third edition offers comprehensive coverage of aircraft systems that are essential for maintaining safe and efficient aircraft operations. It features content on aircraft design, mechanics, and electromechanical systems.
This advanced textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of aerospace vehicle dynamics modeling and simulation, offering insights into quadcopter dynamics and control.
This textbook provides a conceptual introduction to electric power systems, focusing on their components, operation, and protection. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the electrical aspects of quadcopter electromechanical systems.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of mechanical vibrations, covering principles and applications relevant to quadcopter dynamics.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of feedback control systems, covering principles and applications relevant to quadcopter control.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to system dynamics, covering principles and applications relevant to quadcopter modeling and simulation.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to fluid mechanics, covering principles relevant to quadcopter aerodynamics.

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