MATLAB

MATLAB for Mechanical Engineering: The Ultimate Guide

Summary

Most of the engineering involves problem-solving, which may be graphical, mathematical or analytical. A good engineer must visualize problems and find solutions which use the least resources. Many times, this requires engineers to utilize several analytical tools. One tool which helps engineers manipulate and analyze data in MATLAB. This platform helps in solving various technical problems. It is very effective in solving those involving matrix/vector formulation. As a mechanical engineering student, knowing how to use MATLAB can be a huge advantage. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about how to learn MATLAB.

Read more..

Note about MATLAB Note:

Have you checked out our projects on MATLAB yet?
MATLAB Kit will be shipped to you and you can build using tutorials. You can start with a free demo today!


Discover more about MATLAB

What is MATLAB?

MATLAB stands for matrix laboratory and was used to access LINPACK projects. MATLAB is a high-level technical programming language which helps with simulations and analysis. It combines analysis, computation, programming and visualization. This helps it create a simple environment for solving problems. This easy-to-use environment helps engineers solve high-level problems. It also makes it easier for them to express problems in a mathematical form. The most common uses of MATLAB include computation, development, prototyping and visualization. MATLAB is a scalar interactive programming language, unlike Fortran or C.

Learn more about MATLAB


Latest projects on MATLAB

Want to develop practical skills on MATLAB? Checkout our latest projects and start learning for free


What can you do with MATLAB?

  1. An instructional tool used to introduce technical problem-solving in advanced mathematics and engineering courses
  2. Within industries, MATLAB helps with high-productivity R&D and analysis.
  3. Toolbox feature helps in applying specialized technology as and when the need arises
  4. MATLAB functions help with solving several problem clusters
  5. Toolboxes and functions help in handling problems related to signal processing, networking and fuzzy logic.
  6. Helps with computing linear algebra and matrix calculations
  7. MATLAB helps users plot graphs for large sets of data
  8. Sieve through the data, segment it and then analyse the data sets for easy visualization
  9. Plotting graphs for larger data sets
  10. Developing, creating, coding and testing algorithms
  11. Creating GUI and API interfaces for applications
  12. Finite element analysis and structural analysis of components
  13. Solve rotational and matrix-related problems in robotics

Learn more about MATLAB


How to build MATLAB projects Did you know

Skyfi Labs helps students develop skills in a hands-on manner through MATLAB Online Courses where you learn by building real-world projects.

You can enrol with friends and receive kits at your doorstep.

You can learn from experts, build working projects, showcase skills to the world and grab the best jobs.
Start Learning MATLAB today!


Parts of MATLAB Systems

  • MATLAB language- High-level matrix language containing statements, variables, data structures and OOP features. It facilitates both programmings in the small and large, allowing scalability.
  • Working environment- All the tools that a programmer uses while employing MATLAB. This includes functions that help in controlling variables and exporting of data. Also includes other tools such as ones used to develop and debug M files.
  • Graphics Handling- This helps with 2D and 3D data visualisation and image processing. It also deals with low-level commands which help in customising how the graphics look.
  • Mathematical library- Vast collection of algorithms for mathematical computation. This includes everything from trigonometric functions to Bessel functions and Fourier transforms.
  • MATLAB API- Library that allows users to code in C and Fortran and use that on a MATLAB environment. It works as a computational engine that helps in dealing with M-files.

Explore more about MATLAB

How does MATLAB make Work Easier?

A simple question that might pop into your head right now is, “Why should I learn MATLAB being a mechanical engineer?”. Well, the answer is simple. MATLAB is a flexible and useful computational tool that helps in creating efficient solutions. Most types of engineering are undergoing a massive transformation. Almost all fields are expanding into each other. This means that nowadays multidisciplinary skills are required to be successful. In such an environment knowing how to run and use MATLAB is a great advantage that can help you get places.

MATLAB allows you to code faster and more efficiently. The code is compiled using a Just-In-Time compiler. It is optimized with each operation distributed as per the computer’s capabilities. Furthermore, MATLAB runs algorithms alongside such operations, making the final execution much faster. When compared to Java, algorithm development occurs faster in MATLAB. The MATLAB IDE also has interactive applications for visualizing and computing data faster.

Advantages of MATLAB

  1. Fastest IDE when it comes to mathematical computation
  2. Best mathematical library for technical operations on various types of datasets
  3. Good support from an interactive community
  4. Enables multi-threading support which allows the parallel execution of algorithms
  5. Adaptive and efficient graphics system
  6. Great capability when it comes to data visualization as it allows image processing and graphing

Is MATLAB difficult to learn?

As with all other programming languages, MATLAB is easy enough if it clicks to you. However, unless you understand how the language works, you will not be able to use it to your advantage. Therefore, the best way to learn MATLAB is to figure things out by yourself by working on projects. Try to look up for theory online, via courses offered by qualified professionals. Follow their lectures and understand the basics. Then pick up a project in an area you like and enjoy working in, and try to incorporate MATLAB into it. Design algorithms for that problem and test out your program within this environment. Keep tweaking your program until it satisfies all your criteria and then moves on to more advanced programs. Take a look below at some great MATLAB courses you can use to learn MATLAB being a mechanical engineer.

Best way to learn MATLAB for mechanical engineers

Following are some of the MATLAB courses which helps mechanical students to learn the software practically by working on real-time projects:

1. System Dynamics using MATLAB

In this MATLAB course, mechanical students will get a chance to work on real-life models used in automotive and robotic industries, such as Robotic Arm and suspension systems. You will learn how to use MATLAB to design models and write programs which will help you create dynamic links. Students will gain first-hand experience in using M script, Simulink and Simscape.

Learn more about this course

2. Hybrid Vehicle Design using MATLAB

This MATLAB course is a great introductory lesson for students who have an interest in automobile engineering. Through this course, you will learn how to use MATLAB to design, model and test hybrid vehicles. Students will help design all the major components of a vehicle, such as brakes, engine, and transmission. By the end of the lesson, the student will know how to simulate the model and test it for various parameters.

Discover more about this course

3. Vehicle Design using MATLAB

This is another introductory MATLAB course which will suit both mechanical engineers and automobile engineers gain the first-hand experience. This course encourages students to work on power split models for hybrid vehicles using MATLAB. Students will be introduced to various MATLAB features such as M script, Simulink and Simscape, which will help them design, create, model and test their simulations.

Learn more about this MATLAB course

4. MATLAB Course for Engineers

This comprehensive MATLAB course will help mechanical engineers understand and fully utilise this advanced computational tool. This course introduces students to concepts such as scripting, modelling, designing and simulating on Simscape and Simulink. All the possibilities of scripting and programming will be explored, and students will also test their models using Simscape.

Learn more about this MATLAB course for mechanical students

Practical learning is the best way to master anything, so try the above-mentioned courses and learn the software practically.

Explore all our MATLAB courses

If you have any queries, let us know in the comment section our expert will get back to you shortly.

MATLAB for Mechanical Engineering: The Ultimate Guide
Skyfi Labs Last Updated: 2022-05-14





Join 250,000+ students from 36+ countries & develop practical skills by building projects

Get kits shipped in 24 hours. Build using online tutorials.

Subscribe to our blog

Stay up-to-date and build projects on latest technologies