Measurement and Dynamic Response

Welcome to EGR 306 at Alvernia University. This course develops your skills in modeling, measuring, and analyzing dynamic systems, enabling you to understand and predict how real-world engineering systems behave and respond.

EGR 306 is designed for mechanical, electrical, and related engineering majors who have already completed the core mathematics and introductory courses. You will use tools such as MATLAB and Mathematica to connect theory with real data and real systems.

You will find files of the lecture slides and Mathematica and MATLAB code in the Box Folder and embedded slides and videos for each section in the “Course Content” tab.

Problem prompts are located in the slides at the top of each section. Be sure to refer to the prompt before watching the problem-solving video.

For Matlab resources, see https://sites.google.com/view/jmm-matlab/

Author

Joseph M. Mahoney, Ph.D.

Chair of Engineering and Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Alvernia University (Reading, PA)

Joseph.Mahoney@alvernia.edu 

https://sites.google.com/view/jmmahoney 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmm694 

https://www.youtube.com/@drjmm84 

Course modules

The course content is organized into four main modules. Each module comprises several sections, each with its own learning goals, slides, videos, and practice problems.

Module 1: Modeling

Build mathematical models for mechanical and electrical systems. Learn how to move from a physical diagram to differential equations and conceptual state space models.

Module 2: Analysis

Study the behavior of linear systems. Work with natural frequencies, damping, and modes of vibration. Learn how system parameters affect stability and response.

Module 3: Control

Introduce feedback and control concepts. Explore how controllers shape system response and how engineers use models to design stable, responsive systems.

Module 4: Nonlinear dynamics

Examine simple nonlinear models and see how they differ from linear systems. Learn when linear approximations are valid and when nonlinear behavior dominates.

Each module page explains where to start, which sections to complete, and how the pieces fit together.

For Visitors and Educators

This site shares teaching materials related to dynamic systems, mechanical vibrations, measurement, and control for undergraduate engineering students. Educators and self-learners are welcome to explore the modules and adapt ideas for their own courses.

Please respect copyright and fair use. If you would like to reuse substantial portions of these materials in your own teaching or publications, please contact the instructor to discuss appropriate attribution and permissions.

Recommended Texts

1. Ogata, K. System Dynamics, 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2003. ISBN-13: 9780131424623, ISBN-10: 0131424629.

2. Palm, W. J. III. System Dynamics, 4th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education, 2021. ISBN-13: 9780078140051, ISBN-10: 0078140056.