Mechatronic Systems consist of components and/or sub-systems which are from different engineering domains. For example, a solenoid valve has three domains that work in a synergistic fashion: electrical, magnetic, and mechanical (translation). Over the last few decades, engineering systems have become more and more mechatronic. Automobiles are transforming from being gasoline-powered mechanical devices to electric, hybrid electric and even autonomous. This kind of evolution has been possible through the synergistic integration of technology that is derived from different disciplines. Understanding and designing mechatronic systems needs to be a vital component of today's engineering education. Typical engineering programs, however, mostly continue to train students in academic silos (otherwise known as majors) such as mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering. Some universities have started offering one or more courses on this subject and a few have even started full programs around the theme of Mechatronics. Modeling the behavior of Mechatronic systems is an important step for analysis, synthesis, and optimal design of such systems. One key training necessary for developing this expertise is to have comfort and understanding of the basic physics of different domains. A second need is a suitable software tool that implements these laws with appropriate flexibility and is easy to learn.
This short text addresses the two needs: it is written for an audience who will likely have good knowledge and comfort in one of the several domains that we will consider, but not necessarily all; the book will also serve as a guide for the students to learn how to develop mechatronic system models with Simscape (a MATLAB tool box). The book uses many examples from different engineering domains to demonstrate how to develop mechatronic system models and what type of information can be obtained from the analyses.
Shuvra Das is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at University of Detroit Mercy and Director of International Programs in the college of Engineering and Science. He has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, and a Masters and Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from Iowa State University. He was a post-doctoral researcher at University of Notre Dame and also worked in industry prior to being in academia for 25 years. He has taught a variety of courses ranging from freshmen to advanced graduate level within Mechanical Engineering, as well as in the Advanced Electric Vehicle program. His research interests include mechatronics system modeling and simulation, multi-physics process and product simulation using CAE tools such as Finite and Boundary Elements, structural analysis and design, design processes and design thinking, and engineering education. He received many awards for teaching and research at Detroit Mercy as well as from organizations outside the university. He served as Associate Dean for Research and Outreach at Detroit Mercy for six years. During this time, he launched the undergraduate Robotics and Mechatronics Systems Engineering Program, the Advanced Electric Vehicle certificate program, and several additional engineering degree programs in collaboration with Chinese Universities.
