Early control textbooks in Germany

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of three of the early control textbooks in Germany: (1) Die selbsttätige Regelung (Feedback Control), (2) Dynamik selbsttätiger Regelungen (Dynamics of Automatic Feedback Control), and (3) Kleines Handbuch technischer Regelungsvorgänge (Compact Handbook of Engineering Control Processes) Die selbsttätige Regelung considers fundamentals such as different feedback control structures and objectives. The classical behavior of linear and time-invariant control components is presented to enable the understanding and application of the basic principles. The book also considers the design of single input control system structures and the stability of feedback control systems. . The aim of the book Dynamik selbsttätiger Regelungen was to derive and present various mathematical methods for analysis and synthesis purposes of feedback control systems, but very little attention was paid to engineering applications; hence, the book met with the approval of control scientists. However, the text contained a number of ideas that were new at the time and were pointing into future directions. Kleines Handbuch technischer Regelungsvorgänge is based on a collection of physical systems and their block diagram models. Both time and sinusoidal responses are presented to characterize the transient behavior of control elements. The textbook was mainly addressed to advanced students and practicing engineers. A large number of figures and numerous tables are the characteristic of the book..