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As the complexity of automotive vehicles increases, so does the need for high calibre, multi-disciplined engineers. This paper provides a discussion into the type of control systems found in modern automotive vehicles and the skills required by the engineers working in this mechatronic system environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a world-wide interest in mechatronics education, there is no clear and consistent understanding of what mechatronics is, nor how, and at what level, it should be taught. The key challenge for mechatronics course designers is seen as that of ensuring an appropriate balance between depth and breadth while providing opportunities to enable students to practise integration. The paper discusses this in relation to a number of mechatronic themes. Factors influencing the design, structure and content of a mechatronics programme are discussed and suggestions made as to the possible core content of such a programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional dynamic modelling of multidisciplinary systems involves separate sets of analysis skills for each domain. Bond Graphs embrace commonality, providing a concise unified means of system representation and a systematic analysis method. This paper introduces Bond Graphs, benefits of acausal component models, and software for automated equation generation and simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the utility of a low cost, 1 m2 by 2 m forced ventilation, micro-climate test chamber, for the support of research and teaching in mechatronics. Initially developed for the evaluation of a new ventilation rate controller, the fully instrumented chamber now provides numerous learning opportunities and individual projects for both undergraduate and postgraduate research students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of random variables and the application of probabilistic techniques for power system analysis has become an important issue due to the increased uncertainties faced by modern power systems. In the techno-economic analysis of an installation, especially at the design stage, several discrete values have to be considered for each variable, such as voltage, power, power angle, etc. Therefore, in handling such problems, it is advisable to use random variable ranges as explained in the paper taking the area of power transmission engineering as an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]