Introduction to Matlab for Engineers

Citation

(1998), "Introduction to Matlab for Engineers", Industrial Robot, Vol. 25 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1998.04925dae.002

Introduction to Matlab for Engineers

Introduction to Matlab for Engineers

W.J. PalmMcGraw-Hill1998316 pp.ISBN 0-07-047328-5£22.99

Keywords Mathematics, Matlab, Software

Part of McGraw-Hill's basic engineering and tools (BEST) series, this is an introduction for the novice user to the well-known and widely used MathWorks Matlab (versions 4 and 5) mathematics tool. The author has an extensive background in dynamics, robotics and system modelling, and currently bases introductory engineering courses on the package at the University of Rhode Island, where he is Professor of Mechanical Engineering. The book is intended as a standalone introduction to the environment, a self-study text or the basis of a taught course. In addition to Matlab specific information, the book outlines a number of areas of good practice such as problem-solving strategies and the systematic plotting of data.

As an introductory text, the author starts with a description of the command environment, and navigation around the various menus and screens available. A description and tutorial on the use of the online help are given in addition to sample sessions giving a flavour of the programming environment. For the true engineering novice, the author offers a systematic approach to the solving of engineering problems. Subsequent chapters guide the reader through the building blocks of the mathematics capabilities, starting at data types and structures, moving through file functions to the comprehensive plotting capabilities. The chapter on linear algebraic equations is particularly useful, giving good coverage to a number of techniques that might prove of interest to the more experienced, if only as revision material. The remainder of the text concerns the use of the relational and logical operators, and an introduction to the programming capabilities within the system. The book is rounded off with a guide to the functions outlined in the text and a list of references.

Despite its elementary target audience, the material has much to offer anyone looking at using Matlab for the first time. Although the book is not comprehensive in its coverage of functions and facilities, the text is quite explicit when the material exceeds the remit of the book, referring the reader to either the system's documentation or more advanced texts. All topics are explained by exemplary session working through engineering examples, and there are plenty of problems to attempt if required. The comprehensive summary sections and tabular résumés of functions covered enhance the book's potential as a reference, allowing easy referral to specific topics. In all, a well founded introduction to the package.