Sjouke said:
Perhaps by building small real systems, and
analyze their behavior?
An analog computer is the same as a digital one,
you assume a model, which is then programmed into
either one of your computers, and if your model
is wrong/inaccurate, both computers will give you
wrong/inaccurate answers.
That is exactly what I want! I will design the dynamics
with all the faults and problems and inaccuracies that
you may find in a real system. They have to design a digital
controller for the system that the analog computer is
modeling. I may be able to set up experiment quickly and
I do not have to wait for the mechanical workshop
delays. I am not trying to solve differential equations!
I am trying to teach them the rudiments of system
identification and control in presence of
well controlled traps/imperfections. I have the system,
I may as well use it.
If my aim was modeling or simulation, then I'll teach them
how to use Matlab or even better, I'll teach them the numerical
methods for solving differential equations alongside with some
advanced dynamics.
