Dr. Ruben is interested in control and system theory. His focus is in design, modeling, and control of mechatronic systems. Also, he is interested in the application of convex optimization in mechatronics. He is also exploring using GPUs for fast embedded numerical implementation of optimization solvers, control algorithms, and computer vision algorithms needed to attain solutions in real-time. Dr. Ruben is especially interested in using robotics as a mechanism for technology education. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational outreach in K-12 education is a passion of Dr. Ruben's.
keywords
Control and system theory, Design modelling and control of mechatronic systems, Optimization theory and embedded optimization, Computer Vision used in feedback control or Visual Servoing, Taking advantage of the GPU for fast embedded algorithms, Robotics as a mechanism for technology education
ECEN 4138 - Control Systems Analysis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
Analysis and design of continuous time control systems using classical and state space methods. Laplace transforms, transfer functions and block diagrams. Stability, dynamic response, and steady-state analysis. Analysis and design of control systems using root locus and frequency response methods. Computer aided design and analysis. Department enforced prerequisite: background in Laplace transforms, linear algebra,and ordinary differential equations. Same as ECEN 5138. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCEN 4138 or MCEN 5138.
ECEN 5138 - Control Systems Analysis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
Analysis and design of continuous time control systems using classical and state space methods. Laplace transforms, transfer functions and block diagrams. Stability, dynamic response, and steady-state analysis. Analysis and design of control systems using root locus and frequency response methods. Computer aided design and analysis. Topics covered in this course will be investigated in more depth, require external readings, additional homework will be assigned, and the exams will be more difficult. Recommended prerequisite: ECEN 3300. Same as ECEN 4138. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCEN 4138 or MCEN 5138.
ECEN 5448 - Advanced Linear Systems
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Offers a state space approach to analysis and synthesis of linear systems, state transition matrix, controllability and observability, system transformation, minimal realization, and analysis and synthesis of multi-input and multi-output systems. Recommended prerequisites: ECEN 3300 and ECEN 4138. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCEN 5448.
MCEN 4043 - System Dynamics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Covers linear dynamic systems and mathematical tools for understanding them. Topics include Laplace transform, multi-domain system modeling, input-output relationships, time-domain response, Fourier series, frequency-domain response, and introduction to feedback control.
MCEN 4085 - Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Project 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Second part of a two-course capstone design experience in mechanical engineering. Includes refinement of prototype, design optimization, fabrication, testing, and evaluation. Students orally present the final design and prepare a written report and operation manual for the product. GEEN-BS and GEEN-BSEPL students are not required to complete MCEN 4026.
MCEN 4125 - Optimal Design
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
Focuses on linear optimization and will introduce non-linear optimization. Formulating Engineering applications as optimization problems that can be solved using industry known solvers will be learned. Some of these applications will include minimum cost mechanical design, wind farm power maximization, minimum energy control, production control, and more. Previous programming experience required. Same as MCEN 5125.
MCEN 4138 - Feedback Control
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Introduction to fundamental principles and techniques for analysis and synthesis of feedback control systems in the time and frequency domains. Laplace transforms, transfer functions and block diagrams. Stability, dynamic response, and steady-state analysis. Analysis and design of control systems using root locus and frequency response methods. Computer aided design and analysis. Introduction to state space representations and state feedback control. Same as MCEN 5138. Degree credit not granted for this course and ECEN 4138 or ECEN 5138.
MCEN 4228 - Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2024
Subject matter to be selected from topics of current interest. May be repeated up to 15 credit hours. Same as MCEN 5228.
MCEN 5125 - Optimal Design
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
Focuses on linear optimization and will introduce non-linear optimization. Formulating engineering applications as optimization problems that can be solved using industry known solvers will be learned. Some of these applications will include minimum cost mechanical design, wind farm power maximization, minimum energy control, production control, and more. Previous programming experience required. Same as MCEN 4125.
MCEN 5138 - Feedback Control
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Introduction to fundamental principles and techniques for analysis and synthesis of feedback control systems in the time and frequency domains. Laplace transforms, transfer functions and block diagrams. Stability, dynamic response, and steady-state analysis. Analysis and design of control systems using root locus and frequency response methods. Computer aided design and analysis. Introduction to state space representations and state feedback control. Recommended prerequisite: MCEN 4043 or comparable knowledge gained through outside coursework. Same as MCEN 4138. Degree credit not granted for this course and ECEN 4138 or ECEN 5138.
MCEN 5228 - Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2024
Subject matter to be selected from topics of current interest. May be repeated up to 30 credit hours.
MCEN 5930 - Professional Internship
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2023 / Fall 2023
This class provides a structure for Mechanical Engineering graduate students to receive academic credit for internships with industry partners that have an academic component to them suitable for graduate-level work. Participation in the program will consist of an internship agreement between a student and an industry partner who will employ the student in a role that supports the academic goals of the internship. Instructor participation will include facilitation of mid-term and final assessments of student performance as well as support for any academic-related issues that may arise during the internship period. May be taken during any term following initial enrollment and participation in ME graduate programs. Department permission required to enroll. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
