Page 8 - MATLAB an introduction with applications

Preface

The main objective of this book is to provide the students with the opportunity to improve their
programming skills using the MATLAB environment to implement algorithms and to teach the use of
MATLAB as a tool in solving problems in engineering. This book includes the coverage of basics of
MATLAB and application of MATLAB software to solve problems in electrical circuits, control systems,
numerical methods, optimization, direct numerical integration methods in engineering. With this
foundation of basic MATLAB applications in engineering problem solving, the book provides
opportunities to explore advanced topics in application of MATLAB as a tool.
An introduction to MATLAB basics is presented in Chapter 1. Chapter 1 also presents MATLAB
commands. MATLAB is considered as the software of choice. MATLAB can be used interactively and
has an inventory of routines, called as functions, which minimize the task of programming even more.
Further information on MATLAB can be obtained from: The MathWorks, Inc., 3 Apple Hill Drive, Natick,
MA 01760. In the computational aspects, MATLAB has emerged as a very powerful tool for numerical
computations involved in engineering problems. The idea of computer-aided design and analysis using
MATLAB with the Symbolic Math Tool box, and the Control System Tool box has been incorporated.
Chapter 2,3,4,5 and 6 consists of many solved problems that demonstrate the application of MATLAB to
the analysis of electrical circuits, control systems, numerical methods, optimization and direct numerical
integration methods. In chapter 6, we have briefly reviewed the direct numerical integration methods for
the solution of a single or system of differential equations. Many numerical methods are available for the
solutions of the response of dynamic systems. We have discussed several widely used step-by-step
numerical integration methods for linear dynamic response analysis. A brief description of these
integration methods is presented and their application is illustrated. The integration schemes considered
were three explicit and four implicit methods. They are the explicit schemes (the central difference method,
two-cycle interaction with trapezoidal rule and fourth order Runge-Kutta method) and the implicit schemes
(Houbolt method, Wilson Theta method, Newmark Beta method and the Park Stiffly stable method).
Application of these direct numerical integration methods is illustrated with a case study of a linear
dynamic system.
Presentations are limited to very basic topics to serve as an introduction to advanced topics in
those areas of discipline. Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 include a great number of worked examples and
unsolved exercise problems to guide the student to understand the basic principles, concepts and use of
MATLAB in solving a variety of engineering problems.

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