1. PREFACE

How to use the book.

• read the chapters and do drill problems as you read

• examine the case studies - these pull together concepts from previous chapters

• problems at the ends of chapters are provided for further practice

Tools that should be used include,

• computer algebra software that can solve differential equations, such as Scilab

• students are assumed to have some knowledge of C programming and hopefully access to microcontroller hards. Most of the examples in the book are for the Atmel AVR family of microcontrollers.

• graphing calculator that can solve differential equations, such as a TI-85

Supplemental materials at the end of this book include,

• a writing guide

• a summary of math topics important for engineers

• a table of generally useful engineering units

• properties of common materials

Acknowledgement to,

Dr. Hal Larson for reviewing the calculus and numerical methods chapters

Dr. Wendy Reffeor for reviewing the translation chapter

Dr. Nael Barakat for numerous suggestions and corrections

Student background

a basic circuits course

a basic statics and mechanics of materials course

math up to differential equations

a general knowledge of physics

computer programming, preferably in ’C’

 

Special notes

- despite all common wisdom, inertia is presented as a force, this makes it easier for students attempting to learn, and keep sign conventions correct

 

TO BE DONE

small

revise the motor model to non-linear

add details on eigenvectors and homogeneous solutions

split the calculus chapter into diff eq and first/second order

chapter non-linear systems

develop chapter

chapter magnetic

consider adding/writing this chapter

chapter fluids

consider adding/writing this chapter

chapter thermal

consider adding/writing this chapter

chapter c programming

review section

add problems