At the end of the last semester, Professor Xu Zhixiang of School of Mechanical Engineering  was invited by Leicester International Institute and School of Marine Science and Technology to give a theme lecture on electromechanical control engineering for the undergraduate and graduate students of the two institutes. Professor Yue Qianjin of the School of Marine Science and Technology, the host of this lecture, delivered a welcome speech and expressed his hope that the lecture can enlighten students in their future professional studies.

Professor Xu Zhixiang, starting from the composition of the mechanical and electrical control system, introduced the basic concept of “system” and “control system”, and further elaborated the importance of control system to students: no control system, no manufacturing, no vehicle, no computer, no adjustment environment —— In short, no technology.

Then, Professor Xu Zhixiang introduced the development of control theory to students, from classical control theory to modern control theory to intelligent control theory. Then he also introduced the earliest mechanical control system in history——Small ball controller used by Watt on steam locomotives. Expanding on that, he illustrated the importance of patents and encouraged students to study hard to realize technological innovation.

Professor Xu Zhixiang also made an accurate mathematical deduction from the most basic spring oscillator model and introduced the most basic mathematical knowledge in the control system to students. He also listed and introduced some common models in the current control system and demonstrated the simulation process of some models with Matlab. From Professor Xu Zhixiang’s passionate lecture, students had a deeper understanding of the control engineering system.

At the end of the lecture, Professor Yue Qianjin concluded that control technology is a widely used enabling technology. Due to the in-depth use of control technology, the functions of the mechanical and electrical system are more diversified, more accurate, more comfortable, more intelligent and easier to use. Professor Yue encouraged the students to study hard and master real skills in a down-to-earth manner. “Although the process of doing design and experiments is relatively boring and long, you should calm down and stick to the end.“ He said.

Here are feedbacks from students presented:

Mechanical engineering 2003 Feng Yating:

I had the honour to listen to a vivid introduction class of electromechanical knowledge brought by Professor Xu Zhixiang. He emphasized the importance of "knowing what it is and why" when introducing the accuracy of open-loop, semi-open-loop, and closed-loop control systems. The concept of "mechatronics" mentioned by the professor impressed me deeply. The innovation and progress of national science and technology require all kinds of talents. The diversification of knowledge will have an immeasurable positive impact on our future scientific research roads. Cultivating compound talents is the teaching purpose that DLI has always adhered to. As a freshman, I should also closely link my personal growth with the development of the motherland, study hard, and strive to become an interdisciplinary talent.

Mechanical engineering 2002 Li Yibo:

It’s my great honour to hear Professor Xu Zhixiang's introduction class today. He introduced the theory and application of electromechanical control simply. Although I haven’t encountered professional course knowledge, we can see the development prospects of the machinery industry and have a good opinion of ourselves after the introduction of the control technology of Funuc's marine equipment, wind tunnel model attitude control system and examples like MIT students' rapid solving of Rubik’s cube. I have an in-depth understanding of the future direction of professional education and employment after this activity.

Mechanical engineering 2002 Lu Guanchu:

Through the lecture of Professor Xu Zhixiang, I have a completely new understanding of control engineering. The control system is far more professional and sophisticated than the system I know now. For example, the "feedback" principle is the core of the system, and sensitivity analysis is an important way to build a system. After understanding these control theories, the professor also demonstrated the application of mechanical engineering. These made me more aware of the importance of mechanical engineering and its requirements for professional quality and strengthened my determination to learn professional knowledge.

Attached is the introduction of Professor Xu Zhixiang:

Xu Zhixiang, Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology. From July 1989 to 1996, he worked at the China Microelectronics Technology Application Development Training Center of Dalian University of Technology. From July 2003 to June 2004, he visited the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London, UK. Engaged in the teaching and research work of electromechanical control and measurement and control technology, mainly focusing on numerical control technology and electromechanical system design, analysis, testing and evaluation, etc. Research with diagnostic technology. As the person in charge, he presided over 2 general projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, 1 project of the Liaoning Province Fund, 1 project of the introduction of foreign expert teams in Liaoning Province, presided over more than 20 projects commissioned by enterprises; won 1 first prize of China University Progress Award; published; There are more than 40 academic papers, more than 10 national invention patents, and 3 computer software copyrights.