Quadcopter Modelling and Simulation: A Case Study for Encouraging Deeper Learning Engagements

This presentation demonstrates how engineering and science students can use the MATLAB technical computing environment to develop a deeper understanding of complex multi domain applications. A quadcopter UAV example is used as a case study to connect the fundamental mathematical concepts introduced in the earlier years of a science/engineering degree, to the numerical methods and control design concepts taught in the later years. Using the quadcopter case study, we’ll demonstrate how the following deeper learning attributes are encouraged: How complex problems can be broken down into a series of smaller problems. How these smaller problems can then be “glued” together to form a holistic view of the original problem. How curiosity is fostered by providing students with choices on how to solve a problem (eg: apps, code, block diagrams) – choices that encourage “creating” and “doing” How independent exploration of concepts is encouraged via access to numerical computing libraries. How positive emotions to learning are fostered by a HELP/DOC system that acts as an ever present companion during the learning and discovery process. Some of the learning tasks considered in this presentation include: How the new MATLAB® Live Editor can demystify rotation matrix sequences and enliven the teaching of concepts associated with moments of inertia How Simulink® can model and solve the 6-DOF equations of motion of a rigid body (building, solving, implementing equations, and incorporating the rotation matrix concepts along the way) How to linearize a 6-DOF model and design controllers for altitude and attitude control Get a free product Trial: https://goo.gl/ZHFb5u Learn more about MATLAB: https://goo.gl/8QV7ZZ Learn more about Simulink: https://goo.gl/nqnbLe See What's new in MATLAB and Simulink: https://goo.gl/pgGtod © 2018 The MathWorks, Inc. MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. See www.mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names maybe trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.