Dover style book on control systems?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the quality and applicability of Dover publications in engineering, particularly in control systems. Users express a preference for Dover books due to their clarity in basic theory, despite acknowledging that many are outdated. Notable recommendations include Stengel's "Optimal Control and Estimation" and Anderson's "Optimal Filtering." The conversation also touches on John Comstock Doyle's "Feedback Control Theory," which has mixed reviews, indicating a need for caution when selecting texts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic control systems theory
  • Familiarity with optimal control concepts
  • Knowledge of single-input single-output (SISO) systems
  • Ability to evaluate academic texts based on reviews and content
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Stengel's Optimal Control and Estimation" for foundational control theory
  • Explore "Anderson's Optimal Filtering" for advanced filtering techniques
  • Investigate "Feedback Control Theory" by John Comstock Doyle for SISO problem-solving
  • Access Caltech's free online feedback control text for supplementary learning
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate engineering students, educators in control systems, and anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of basic control theory through accessible texts.

Gauss M.D.
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Been reading some Dover books (topology, ODE:s, complex variables) and I think they've been just brilliant so far. I'd like more books in the same vein on other subjects. Most engineering books are absolutely awful in my opinion (books in the style of Merriam/Kraige mechanics - utterly hand-wavy, almost demeaning theory wise, thick and heavy with focus on braindead exercises and pretty pictures) so I was wondering if there was any equivalent publisher there. A book on control systems would be extra nice to find, but other areas aswell.
 
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Some of the Dover books are excellent, others not so. One common problem is that they are *old*. That's why they're cheap. If you want cutting edge stuff, don't bother with Dover books. On the other hand, if you want basic theory, those Dover books can be quite good. With regard to control systems, Stengel's Optimal Control and Estimation and Anderson's Optimal Filtering are worth a look, and very worth the price.
 
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Thanks DH! I'm still an undergrad so I don't mind them not being cutting edge. Any opinion on Feedback Control Theory (Dover Books on Engineering) by John Comstock Doyle?
 
I don't have that one. It received three good reviews on amazon, but also one very bad review. Four reviews is not enough to make any kind of judgment. The table of contents and intro are viewable on amazon. From that, it appears to me that this book only covers SISO problems and barely touches upon filtering in the time domain.
 

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