Modeling and simulation of dynamic systems (MSD)

The goal of this course is to learn how to create mathematical models of dynamic systems of very diverse nature such as electrical/electronic (for instance, DC-DC switching converters), mechanical (deformable mirror), electromechanical (robotic arm), thermal (heat exchanger), chemical (distillation column) but also economic (stock market) or biological (flock of birds). Consequently, these models are analyzed by means of numerical simulations. Rather than focusing on individual physical principal, which were exposed in courses on physics, we will focus on systematic approaches for building models of realistically complex models (for instance, scaling, Lagrange approach, bond graphs, ...) including use of software tools (object oriented modeling, FEM modeling, ...). Nonetheless, the physical principles cannot be skipped in the exposition of the methods, of course. The subtopic of simulations boils down to numerical solution of nonlinear differential and algebraic-differential equations. A special attention will be paid to the practical aspects of individual methods and some guidance for their use will be given, for instance, which solvers to use for stiff systems.