Modern Control System Theory and Design, 2nd Edition

1.6.  ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

This section provides a set of illustrative problems and their solutions to supplement the material presented in Chapter 1.

I1.1. Draw a block diagram representation of a thermostatically controlled electric oven in the kitchen of a home.

SOLUTION:

Figure I1.1

I1.2. The control of a nuclear reactor is a very interesting control-system problem. The rate of fission is controlled by rods inserted into the radioactive core. The position of the rods inserted into the core determines the flow of neutrons. The automatic control of the rod position determines the fission process and its resulting heat which is used to generate steam in the turbine. If the rods are pulled out completely, an uncontrolled fission occurs; if the rods are fully inserted into the core, the fission process stops. Draw a block diagram representation for the control of the radiation of the nuclear reactor system shown.

Figure I1.2i

SOLUTION:

Figure I1.2ii

I1.3. The automatic depth control of a submarine is an interesting control system problem. Suppose the captain of the submarine wants the submarine to “hover” at a desired depth, and sets the desired depth as a voltage from ...