1.
Introduction to Computational Tools
Definition: Computational tools are software, programming environments, and digital
applications used to solve engineering problems.
They allow engineers to model, simulate, analyze, and optimize systems in a faster and
more reliable way than manual methods.
Examples of Tools:
MATLAB – matrix-based programming, simulations, and control systems.
Python – general-purpose, powerful libraries (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, SciPy).
C Programming – system-level programming, hardware interaction, high performance.
Excel – spreadsheet analysis, statistics, and visualization.
AutoCAD/SolidWorks – design and drafting tools for mechanical and civil engineers.
Importance of Computational Tools:
1. Improve accuracy and efficiency.
2. Handle large and complex datasets.
3. Enable real-time simulations.
4. Reduce human error in repetitive tasks.
5. Provide visual representation (graphs, charts, plots).
6. Enhance decision-making with data-driven insights.
2. High-Level vs. Low-Level Programming Languages
High-Level Languages (HLL):
Closer to human language.
Portable across different platforms.
Easier to learn, debug, and maintain.
Examples: Python, C, C++, Java.
Low-Level Languages (LLL):
Closer to machine code (binary).
Faster execution but harder to understand.
Hardware-specific, less portable.
Examples: Assembly, Machine language.
Feature High-Level Low-Level
Human readability Easy Difficult
Execution speed Slower Faster
Portability High Low
Examples Python, C Assembly
3. Microsoft Excel in Engineering
Excel is not just for accounting—it is an engineering tool for data processing and analysis.
Uses:
Data entry and management.
Statistical analysis.
Graphs, charts, and data visualization.
Mathematical functions:
o =AVERAGE(range) → mean.
o =STDEV(range) → standard deviation.
o =MAX(range) and =MIN(range) → highest/lowest values.
Applications in Engineering:
Plotting stress-strain graphs.
Cost estimation for projects.
Analyzing lab experiment results.
Creating engineering schedules.
4. Programming Concepts for Engineers
Program Flow
Every program follows: Input → Processing → Output
Algorithms
A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.
Example: To calculate factorial of a number.
Pseudocode Example
START
INPUT number
factorial = 1
FOR i = 1 TO number
factorial = factorial * i
END FOR
PRINT factorial
END
Flowcharts
Oval: Start/End
Rectangle: Process
Diamond: Decision
Flowcharts are important for planning before coding.
5. Common Programming Errors
1. Syntax Errors – violations of language grammar.
o Example: print "Hello" in Python (missing parentheses).
2. Logical Errors – program runs but output is wrong.
o Example: Using + instead of - in a formula.
3. Runtime Errors – occur during program execution.
o Example: Division by zero error.
Good Practices to Avoid Errors:
Use comments in code.
Test with sample data.
Debug step by step.
6. Python for Engineers
Python is one of the most used languages in engineering because of its simplicity and powerful
libraries.
Basic Python Example:
a = int(input("Enter first number: "))
b = int(input("Enter second number: "))
print("Sum =", a + b)
print("Difference =", a - b)
print("Product =", a * b)
print("Quotient =", a / b)
Key Features:
Supports scientific libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib).
Portable across different operating systems.
Used in data analysis, AI, robotics, and simulations.
7. Loops in Programming
For Loop Example (Python):
for i in range(1, 6):
print(i)
While Loop Example (Python):
n=1
while n <= 5:
print(n)
n += 1
Applications of Loops in Engineering:
Iterative simulations.
Repetitive data calculations.
Automating data entry.
8. MATLAB & Excel for Visualization
Graphs and Charts in Engineering:
Line Graphs → show trends (e.g., performance over time).
Bar Charts → compare categories.
Scatter Plots → show relationships between two variables.
MATLAB Applications:
1. Signal and image processing.
2. Control system design.
3. Mechanical and electrical simulations.
4. Optimization problems.
9. Statistics for Engineers
Given dataset: 45, 55, 60, 75, 80, 90
Mean (Average):
Mean=Sum of valuesNumber of values=4056=67.5\text{Mean} = \frac{\text{Sum of
values}}{\text{Number of values}} = \frac{405}{6} =
67.5Mean=Number of valuesSum of values=6405=67.5
Median:
Arrange data → 45, 55, 60, 75, 80, 90 → Median = (60 + 75)/2 = 67.5
Standard Deviation (σ):
σ=∑(x−xˉ)2N\sigma = \sqrt{\frac{\sum (x - \bar{x})^2}{N}}σ=N∑(x−xˉ)2
In Excel:
=AVERAGE(range)
=MEDIAN(range)
=STDEV(range)
10. Version Control Systems (GitHub)
Definition: Software tools that track changes in code and files.
Importance in Engineering:
Enables multiple engineers to work on the same project.
Maintains project history.
Allows rollback to earlier versions.
Supports collaboration between remote teams.
Popular Tools:
Git & GitHub
GitLab
Bitbucket
