Experimental modeling of dynamic systems: an educational approach

An engineering course, Simulation and Experimental Modeling, has been developed that is based on a method for direct estimation of physical parameters in dynamic systems. Compared with classical system identification, the method appears to be easier to understand, apply, and combine with physical insight. It is based on a sensitivity approach that is useful for choice of model structure, for experiment design, and for accuracy verification. The method is implemented in the Matlab toolkit Senstools. The method and the presentation have been developed with generally preferred learning styles in mind. In a comprehensive evaluation of the course, student responses to a course questionnaire and to an Index Of Learning Styles Questionnaire are analyzed and correlated.