Laboratory / lab Actuators, sensors and system dynamics

The "Sensors" module looks at the basic physical principles and the basic structure of sensors, which are often used to measure mechatronic variables. Mechanical converters and the required sensor electronics are also covered. The voluntary laboratory course focuses specifically on strain gauges and Hall sensors: In small groups, the mode of operation of the sensors is analyzed, weaknesses and problems that may be associated with the use of the sensors are determined and optimization options are worked out. The time required for each laboratory test is approx. 90 minutes.

In addition to the voluntary laboratory course, there is the possibility of further in-depth laboratory experiments on

• DMS sensors,
• inductive sensors and
• capacitive sensors

sensors. In these experiments, the calculations learned in the lecture are applied directly to the laboratory setups and the theory is compared with practice. The time required here is correspondingly higher (approx. 180 minutes each), although there is also the option of individually designing the experiments.

In the "Drive Technology" module, electromagnetic actuators and motors are examined from the physical effect through to design. The laboratory exercise for the lecture shows how the operating characteristics of an unknown DC motor can be determined with the help of a few simple measurements. In this context, an electric motor test bench developed in the laboratory is used, which can also be used to characterize small motors under a defined torque load.

In addition to the laboratory exercise for the lecture, a further experimental set-up enables the various (Lorentz or reluctance) actuators discussed in the lecture to be tested in practice and the calculations to be compared with the theory.

In the "Mechatronic systems" module, mechatronic systems are considered as an overall system. In particular, it analyzes how the performance of the overall system results from the interaction of the components and subsystems. The dynamic behavior of the controller and the various components of the mechatronic control system (power electronics, drive, mechanics, sensors) are considered in the frequency domain and the results are transferred to the time domain if necessary.

Accompanying the lecture, a voluntary laboratory experiment is offered in which a mechatronic drive train is operated on a dSpace rapid control prototyping system. The dSpace system makes it possible to apply the analysis possibilities of MATLAB to the real world. In the laboratory test, the behavior of the controlled system is identified in the frequency range and the effect of various controllers is then examined. The mechanical properties of the controlled system can be modified by simple conversions.

In the laboratory experiment, the skills taught in the lecture are deepened by experimenting with modern practical equipment and implemented in an example application. Here, too, there is plenty of scope for individual design.

While "Drive Technology" is dedicated to electromagnetic actuators and motors, the English-language module "Advanced Actuators" focuses on unconventional actuators based on intelligent materials. These are also presented from the physical effect through to the finished actuator. The lecture focuses in particular on piezo and shape memory actuators, as these are currently the most widely used in industry. In the course of a computer laboratory, shape memory actuators are modeled and designed on the computer. The lecture thus offers a good introduction to a thesis or research in the field of shape memory actuators.