Assignment design · MATLAB/Simulink · Interactive simulator
Connect the equations, simulation and a rocket landing.
The final simulation makes trajectory, state and landing criteria visible together.
The recorded trajectory connects position, velocity, angle, forces and five landing criteria. Its final state satisfies all five displayed criteria.
01 · Context + problem
For Systems and Simulation, I wanted one scenario to connect transfer functions, PID control, modelling assumptions and simulation.
Control exercises often fragment angular dynamics, position loops and validation. The rocket scenario requires those decisions to remain connected inside one engineering problem.
02 · Constraints
03 · How it was built
I introduce the nonlinear planar dynamics and state the simplifications explicitly.
I guide the design of pitch, horizontal-position and vertical-position loops step by step.
I make the reduced and complete models comparable under smooth landing references.
I close the investigation with a web simulator that exposes telemetry and landing criteria.
04 · Content produced
02 visuals
The planar model makes position, pitch, thrust and nozzle deflection explicit before the controller is introduced.
The reference trajectories connect the 20-second time profiles to the planned descent in the (x, y) plane.
05 · Work and scope
The model equations and exported trajectory were compared and checked.
The presentation concerns the models and exported trajectory, without a study of their effect on learning.
I intentionally use a simplified planar rocket model: aerodynamic forces are neglected, the motion is linearized for controller design and thrust is idealized. I state these assumptions as part of the engineering reasoning.
06 · Relevance for your organisation
For another systems course, I can develop an applied case, its scientific figures and its simulation interface. Instructors and teaching specialists define the objectives with me and approve the model. We agree on the dependencies, files and technical skills needed to maintain it.
07 · Technical approach
A reduced model supports controller design, while a complete model tests the same references under richer dynamics.
MATLAB · Simulink
Why it mattersStudents can inspect what each modelling assumption changes instead of treating simulation as a black box.
MATLAB resamples the Simulink outputs and exports one trajectory that the browser can replay.
MATLAB · JavaScript
Why it mattersThe engineering model remains the source of truth while the result becomes portable and easy to review.
The rocket motion, control variables, plots and landing criteria advance on the same timeline.
JavaScript · Canvas · KaTeX
Why it mattersLearners can connect equations and signals to the physical outcome they produce.