The engineering design process involves numerous steps that allow the engineer to reach his/her final design objectives to the best of his/her ability. This process is akin to creating a fine sculpture or a great painting where different approaches are explored and tested, then either adopted or abandoned in favor of better or more developed and fine-tuned ones. Consider the x-ray of an oil painting. X-rays of the works of master artists reveal the thought and creative processes of their minds as they complete the work. I am sure that some colleagues may disagree with the comparison of our modern engineering designs to art masterpieces, but let me ask you to explore the innovations and their brilliant forms, and maybe you will agree with me even a little bit.

Design Process

Successful design engineers must have the very best craft, knowledge and experience to generate work that is truly worthy of being incorporated in products that sell in the tens, or even hundreds, of millions. This is presently achieved by having cross-functional teams of engineers work on a design, allowing cross checking and several rounds of reviews, followed by multiple prototypes and exhaustive preproduction testing until the team reaches a collective conclusion that “we have a design.” This is then followed by the final design review and release of the product. This necessary and vital approach is clearly a time consuming and costly process. Over the years I have asked myself several times, “Did I explore every single detail of the design fully”? “Am I sure that this is the very best I can do?” And more importantly, “Does every component have the most fine-tuned value to render the best performance possible?” And invariably I am left with a bit of doubt. That brings me to a tool that has helped me in this regard.

A Great New Tool

I have used Maple for over 25 years to dig deeply into my designs and understand the interplay between a given set of parameters and the performance of the particular circuit I am working on. This has always given me a complete view of the problem at hand and solidly pointed me in the direction of the best possible solutions.

In recent years, a new feature called “Explore” has been added to Maple. This amazing feature allows the engineer/researcher to peer very deeply into any formula and explore the interaction of EVERY variable in the formula. 

Take for example the losses in the control MOSFET in a synchronous buck converter. In order to minimize these losses and maximize the power conversion efficiency, the most suitable MOSFET must be selected. With thousands of these devices being available in the market, a dozen of them are considered very close to the best at any given time. The real question then is, which one is really the very best amongst all of them? 

There are two possible approaches - one, build an application prototype, test a random sample of each and choose the one that gives you the best efficiency.  Or, use an accurate mathematical model to calculate the losses of each and chose the best. The first approach lacks the variability of each parameter due to the six sigma statistical distribution where it is next to impossible to get a device laying on the outer limits of the distribution. That leaves the mathematical model approach. If you take this route, you can have built-in tolerances in the equations to accommodate all the variabilities and use a simplified equation for the control MOSFET losses (clearly you can use a very detailed model should you chose to) to explore these losses. Luckily you can explore the losses using the Explore function in Maple.

The figure below shows a three dimensional plot, plus five other variables in the formula that the user can change using sliders that cover the range of values of interest including Minima and Maxima, while observing in real time the effects of the change on the power loss.

This means that by changing the values of any set of variables, you can observe their effect on the function. To put it simply, this single feature helps you replace dozens of plots with just one, saving you precious time and cost in fine-tuning your design. In my opinion, this is equivalent to an eight-dimensional/axes plot.

I used this amazing feature in the last few weeks and I was delighted at how simple it is to use and how much it simplifies the study of my approach and my components selection, in record times!

This October 21st, Maplesoft will be hosting a full-production, live streaming webinar featuring Dr. Robert Lopez, Emeritus Professor and Maple Fellow. You might have caught Dr. Lopez's Clickable Calculus webinar series before, but this webinar is your chance to meet the man behind the voice and watch him use Clickable Math techniques live!

In this webinar, Dr. Lopez will present examples of what "resequencing concepts and skills" looks like when implemented with Maple's point-and-click syntax-free paradigm. He will demonstrate how Maple can not only be used to elucidate the concept, but also, how it can be used to illustrate and implement the manipulations that ultimately the student must master.

Click here for more information and registration.

A wealth of knowledge is on display in MaplePrimes as our contributors share their expertise and step up to answer others’ queries. This post picks out one such response and further elucidates the answers to the posted question. I hope these explanations appeal to those of our readers who might not be familiar with the techniques embedded in the original responses.

Before I begin, a quick note that the content below was primarily created by one of our summer interns, Pia, with guidance and advice from me.

The Question: Rearranging the expression of equations

SY G wanted to be able to re-write an equation in terms of different variables.  SY G presented this example: 

I have the following two equations:

x1 = a-y1-d*y2;
x2 = a-y2-d*y1;

I wish to express the first equation in terms of y1 and x2, so that

x1 = c - b*y1+d*x2;

where c=a-a*d and b=1-d^2. How can I get Maple to rearrange the original equation x1 in term of y1, x2, c and b?

This question was answered by nm who provided code with a systematic approach:

restart;
eq1:=x1=a-y1-d*y2:
eq2:=x2=a-y2-d*y1:
z:=expand(subs(y2=solve(eq2,y2),eq1)):
z:=algsubs((a-a*d)=c,z):
algsubs((1-d^2)=b,z);

On the other hand, Carl Love answered this enquiry using a more direct and simple code:

simplify(x1=a-y1-d*y2, {a-y2-d*y1= x2, 1-d^2= b, a-a*d= c});

Let’s talk more about the expand, algsubs, subs, and simplify commands

First let’s take a look at the method nm used to solve the problem using the commands expand, subs, solve and algsubs.

The expand command, expand(expr, expr1, expr2, ..., exprn), distributes products over sums. This is done for all polynomials. For quotients of polynomials, only sums in the numerator are expanded; products and powers are left alone.

The solve command, solve(equations, variables), solves one or more equations or inequalities for their unknowns.

The subs command, subs(x=a,expr), substitutes a for x in the expression expr.

The function algsubs, algsubs(a = b, f),performs an algebraic substitution, replacing occurrences of a with b in the expression f.  It is a generalization of the subs command, which only handles syntactic substitution.

Let’s tackle the Maple code written by nm step by step:

1) restart;
The restart command is used to clear Maple’s internal memory

2)  eq1:=x1=a-y1-d*y2:
      eq2:=x2=a-y2-d*y1:
The names eq1 and eq2 were assigned to the equations SY G provided.

3) z:=expand(subs(y2=solve(eq2,y2),eq1)):
A new variable, z, was created, which will end up being x1 written in the terms SY G wanted.

• solve(eq2,y2)
  • the solve command was used to solve the expression eq2 for the variable y2.
    
    
• subs(y2=solve(eq2,y2),eq1)
  • The subs command was used to replace in expression eq1, y2 as determined by the solve step. 
    
    
• expand(subs(y2=solve(eq2,y2),eq1))
• The expand command was used to distribute products over sums. Note: this step served to ensure that the final output looked exactly how SY G wanted.

4) z:=algsubs((a-a*d)=c,z):
First, nm equated a-a*d to c, so later the algsubs command could be applied to substitute the new variable c into the expression z.

5) algsubs((1-d^2)=b,z);
Again, nm equated 1-d^2 to b, so later the algsubs command could be applied to substitute the new variable b into the expression z.

An alternate approach

Now let us check out Carl Love’s approach. Carl Love uses the simplify command in conjunction with side relations.

The simplify command has many calling sequences and one of them is the simplify(expr,eqns), that is known as simplify/siderels. A simplification of expr with respect to the side relations eqns is performed. The result is an expression which is mathematically equivalent toexpr but which is in normal form with respect to the specified side relations. Basically you are telling Maple to simplify the expression (expr) using the parameters (eqns) you gave to it.

I hope that you find this useful. If there is a particular question on MaplePrimes that you would like further explained, please let me know. 

 Obtain the tri-stimulus XYZ values from the CIE Color matching functions.

 Show the gamut of maximum chroma for the standard observer model with a D65 Illuminant.

 Approximate the white point of a Planckian source and compare to D65.

 Translate the maximum chroma gamut in xy to Lab (CIE L*a*b*) for perceived gamut (Violet and Magenta come together)

 Map the RGB color cube of fully saturated color into Lab and compare to perceivable colors.

10/6/15  Initial Document

•12/28/15 Improve RGB gamut with more data points: Procedures added for RGB to Lab: Wavlength Colors now based on CIEDE2000 model for Lab.                   

 Here is the latest version of this document, the MSL_data must be in a directory set in the mw file;

MSL_data.xlsx    Vision_RGB_Gamut.mw

In this paper we will demonstrate the many differences of implementation in the modeling of mechanical systems using embedded components through Maplesoft. The mechanical systems are used for different tasks and therefore have different structure in its design; as to the nature of the used functional elements placed on them, they vary greatly. This diversity is reflected in approaches and practices in modeling.

The following cases focus on mechanical components of the units manufacturing and processing machines. We can generate graphs for analysis using different dynamic pair ametros; all in real-time considerations in its manufacturing costs from the equations of conservation of energy.
Therefore modeling with Maplesoft ensures the smooth optimum performance in mechanical systems, highlighting the sustainability criteria for other areas of engineering.

XXXIII_Coloquio_SMP_2015.pdf

XXXIII_Coloquio_UNASAM_2015.mw

(in spanish)

L.AraujoC.

Apparently inconsistent behaviour of the BesselJ() function.

Examples: BesselJ(-3, 0)  ... gives 0 (correct)

but BesselJ(-3.0, 0), BesselJ(-3, 0.0)  and BesselJ(-3, 0.0) all give Float(infinity) (wrong! - should be 0.0)

The problem seems to occur for all negative integer values of the first argument (the order) when the second argument is 0 or 0.0.

Download Physics[Factor].mw

Edgardo S. Cheb-Terrab
Physics, Differential Equations and Mathematical Functions, Maplesoft

We have a new video about plotting with procedures, specifically on how to avoid an error related to evaluation that many people make. 

The worksheet I used in the video is available here:  PlottingWithProcedures.mw

By the way, this mistake doesn't occur just in the context of plotting. Users of Optimization commands (and other commands that allow functions to be expressed as either an expression in a variable or as a procedure) frequently run into this problem too.

We are happy to announce that Maple T.A. now supports the Learning Tools Interoperability® (LTI) standard, which means that Maple T.A. can be easily integrated with course management systems that support LTI. Maplesoft officially supports LTI connectivity with Canvas, Blackboard Learn™, Brightspace™, Moodle™, and Sakai.

Using the LTI standard, you can integrate Maple T.A. directly into your existing course management or learning management platforms. This allows for single-sign on in one central location and Maple T.A. assignment delivery and grade pushing right inside of your existing solutions.

If you would like to use the LTI connectivity feature, please contact Maplesoft Technical Support at support@maplesoft.com. They will provide the instructions and files you need to set up your connection, and answer any questions you may have about how the integration works on your platform.

Jonny
Maplesoft Product Manager, Maple T.A.

A wealth of knowledge is on display in MaplePrimes as our contributors share their expertise and step up to answer others’ queries. This post picks out one such response and further elucidates the answers to the posted question. I hope these explanations appeal to those of our readers who might not be familiar with the techniques embedded in the original responses.

Before I begin, a quick note that the content below was primarily created by one of our summer interns, Pia, with guidance and advice from me.

The Question: Source Code of Math Apps

Eberch, a new Maple user, was interested in learning how to build his own Math Apps by looking at the source code of some of the already existing Math Apps that Maple offers.

Acer helpfully suggested that he look into the Startup Code of a Math App, in order to see definitions of procedures, modules, etc. He also recommended Eberch take a look at the “action code” that most of the Math Apps have which consist of function calls to procedures or modules defined in the Startup Code. The Startup Code can be accessed from the Edit menu. The function calls can be seen by right-clicking on the relevant component and selecting Edit Click Action.

Acer’s answer is correct and helpful. But for those just learning Maple, I wanted to provide some additional explanation.

Let’s talk more about building your own Math Apps

Building your own Math Apps can seem like something that involves complicated code and rare commands, but Daniel Skoog perfectly portrays an easy and straightforward method to do this in his latest webinar. He provides a clear definition of a Math App, a step-by-step approach to creating a Math App using the explore and quiz commands, and ways to share your applications with the Maple community. It is highly recommended that you watch the entire webinar if you would like to learn more about the core concepts of working with Maple, but you can find the Math App information starting at the 33:00 mark.

I hope that you find this useful. If there is a particular question on MaplePrimes that you would like further explained, please let me know. 

The GroupTheory package in Maple includes facilities for working with finitely presented groups - groups defined by finitely many generators and defining relations.  We now have a video tutorial that covers the basics of this aspect of the package.  As always, we appreciate feedback and suggestions regarding this feature, or new features that you would like to see in the GroupTheory package.

Maple's dsolve numeric can solve delay ODEs and DAEs as of Maple 18. However, if I am not wrong, it cannot solve delay equations with a time dependent history. In this post I show two examples.

Example 1:

y1(t) and y2(t) with time dependent history. Use of piecewise helps this problem to be solved efficiently. Hopefully Maple will add history soon in its capability.

Example 2: 

This is a very a complicated stiff problem from immunology. As of now, I believe only Maple can solve this (other than RADAR5 from Prof. Hairer). Details and plots are posted in the attached code.

Let me know if any one has a delay problem that needs to be solved. I have tested many delay problems in Maple (they work fine). The attached examples required addtional tweaking, hence the post.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Maple's dsolve numeric/delay solvers for their fantastic job. Maple is world leader not because of example1, but because of its ability to solve example 2.

Download delayimmunetopost.mws

As a very good application for viewing and calculation of the components of acceleration either tangential or normal. Besides immediately it is shown an Application for physics.

Componentes_de_la_Acelelación.mw

(in spanish)

L. Araujo C.

Here we see the projection of a vector onto another using different concepts ranging from linear algebra to vector calculus. Implemented components thus seen in three-dimensional space.

Proyecciones_Vectoriales.mw

(in spanish)

L.Araujo C.