Higher Engineering Science SQA
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45 topics in 9 modules
☑️ The Systems Approach 4 topics
- Complex System, Sub-System and Control Diagrams
- Role of Negative Feedback in a System
- Closed-Loop, Two-State and Proportional Feedback
- Using Error Detection in a Closed-Loop System
☑️ Energy and Efficiency, Calculations 4 topics
- Calculations Related to Energy Audits
- Applied Calculations Involving Efficiency, Work Done and Power
- Manipulating and Combining Given Formulae to Obtain Answers
- Solving Structural Problems Using Trigonometric Functions and Substitution
☑️ Engineering Roles and Disciplines 2 topics
- Role of the Professional Engineer within a Project
- Skills and Specialist Knowledge Required within Projects
☑️ Impacts of Engineering 4 topics
- Examples of Social and Economic Impacts of Engineering
- Examples of Environmental Impacts of Engineering
- Sustainability of Engineering Solutions
- Emerging Technologies and their Impact
☑️ Analogue Electronic Control Systems 10 topics
- Variable Resistors, Light and Temperature Sensors in Voltage Dividers
- Using Input Transducer Characteristics to Design Voltage Dividers
- Function and Purpose of BJTs
- Designing a BJT Circuit as a Current Amplifier
- Calculating the Current Gain of an npn Transistor
- Function and Purpose of MOSFETs
- Designing a MOSFET Circuit as a Voltage-Operated Switch
- Comparing BJT and MOSFET Transistors in a Given Application
- Function of op-amp Configurations
- Calculating Relationship between Input and Output Voltages for op-amp Configurations
☑️ Digital Electronic Control Systems 2 topics
- Digital Electronic Control
- Programmable Control
☑️ Drive Systems 6 topics
- Diagrams of Drive Systems
- Selecting and Calculating Appropriate Drive Systems
- Purpose of Couplings, Radial and Thrust Bearings
- Purpose of Friction in Brakes and Clutches
- Calculating Torque: T = Fr
- Calculating Power in a Drive System
☑️ Pneumatics, Structures and Forces 7 topics
- Sequential Control Circuits with up to Three Cylinders
- Electro-Pneumatic Control Circuits
- Equilibrium of Concurrent and Non-Concurrent Forces in 2D
- Resolving Triangle/Polygon of Forces, Resultant/Equilibrant
- Calculating Reaction Forces in Simply-Supported Beams or Structures
- Using Nodal Analysis to Calculate the Size and Nature of Forces in Frames
- Diagrams of Structures
☑️ Materials 6 topics
- Stress/Strain Graphs
- Properties of Materials
- Using Strain Gauges
- Calculating Young's Modulus of Elasticity
- Calculating Factor of Safety
- Calculating Elastic Strain Energy
Higher Engineering Science SQA Revision Content
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Higher Engineering Science SQA - The Systems Approach - Complex System, Sub-System and Control Diagrams Content Preview
The Systems Approach
Complex System, Sub-System and Control Diagrams
Complex Systems
- Complex systems are composed of numerous interconnected parts, all of which work together to perform a common function.
- These systems are often broken down into simpler sub-systems to be understood and analysed more effectively.
- Understanding complex systems requires a good grasp of the underlying sub-systems and their interactions.
- Examples of complex systems can include a computer, a nuclear power plant, or the human body.
Sub-Systems
- A sub-system is a system within a larger complex system that performs a specific task.
- Sub-systems are often designed and analysed independently but always work in tandem within the larger system.
- If one sub-system fails, it may affect the performance or functionality of the whole system.
- Understanding the role of each sub-system and their interconnections is crucial when studying complex systems.
Control Diagrams
- Control diagrams or schematic diagrams are graphical representations of the components and interconnections within a system.
- These diagrams can depict the flow of signals, energy, or materials through the system.
- They provide a clear, visual representation of how a system operates at a high level.
- Key elements in control diagrams may include input and output variables, process components, and control devices.
- Mastery of control diagrams is essential when trying to understand or design complex systems.
Question: Describe the role and potential impact of a sub-system failure within a complex system like a nuclear power plant.
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