Science and Education

Successful Deployment of Mathcad for Process Technology Studies at HTW

The School of Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences (HTW) in Saarland, Germany offers courses of study for Bachelor and Masters programs in Process Technology (Electrical and Process Engineering). Included in these programs are the planning, development, construction, and operation involved in Power Plant, Environmental, and Process Engineering.

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BUSINESS INITIATIVE

 In the course of a studies reform finalized in 2005, HTW determined to strengthen and enhance the inclusion of computer-aided methods and procedures in the curriculum. In order to cover the complete spectrum, the implementation of a universal Software Solution was planned for solving all areas of problems in Mathematics, Natural Science, Technical and Business Management already included in the Core Curriculum.

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SOLUTION

Mathcad was ideally suited to become this universally usable tool. Because the notation in Mathcad largely conforms to Mathematical notation, after learning the simple rules for editing of equations, the students already have a sense of accomplishment.

The validation of syntax and consistency of units that Mathcad performs as part of equation editing makes mistakes immediately apparent.

On the worksheet the students receive a clear record of edited problems.

Immediately retrievable graphic representations of the results support the vivid visual nature of the solution.

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RESULTS

Mathcad has already been implemented with elementary exercises for core studies; for advanced studies the application was expanded for complex construction simulation – the possibilities with Mathcad are practically endless.  Through matrix-based Computer Algebra and through programming in the form of structured program blocks, the solutions for complex statements of problems are clearly and easily achieved.  At the conclusion of their studies, students are capable of independently developing simulations for R&D activities and they later bring this expertise to their careers.

“Since the 1990’s, during my career I’ve gathered programming experience in FORTRAN. The implementation of Mathcad proceeded rapidly and effortlessly, and I am continually impressed with how quickly and elegantly solutions can be achieved with this tool.” - Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Reimann

© 2008 PTC

Education

National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur standardized on Mathcad for Key calculations in Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences

National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, established in 1986 as Regional Engineering College, as a joint and cooperative enterprise of the Govt. of India and Govt. of Himachal Pradesh. The institute believes in serious academic pursuit, encourages radical and original thinking with regard to national and international ideas and policies through intellectually stimulating debates and discussions at all levels. Institute is dedicated to adding values to life and professional standards. Many feel this institution as a right choice for pursuit of higher studies. The institution has signed MoUs with National and International Universities and industries for promotion of research and development.

BUSINESS INITIATIVE  Adopt a comprehensive and reliable calculation and simulation software for the M. Tech. and Ph. D scholars in the Applied Sciences and Humanities and other Engineering disciplines/ departments.

SOLUTION  Mathcad is deployed as the calculation (numeric and analytic) and simulation software for Research in Mathematical, physical and Engineering Sciences.

RESULT  The analytic and Numerical calculations including matrix operations, series expansions, solution of non-linear polynomial equations, real and complex, Transcendental equations, ordinary and partial differential equations, evaluation of integral equations and transforms

involved in the various fields of research

can be easily done with Mathcad 2 The department has the credit of successful guidance of M. Tech. and Ph.D. scholars and has published books at National and International level. Mathcad has been very helpful to us.

Professor Dr. J. N. Sharma & Professor Y D Sharma, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur HP © 2006 PTC

© 2006 PTC

Mathcad - a strong component of the mechanical engineering curriculum at university in Kempten

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Within the context of several courses, the faculty of the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of Applied Sciences in Kempten, Bavaria has been introducing Mathcad as an auxiliary tool for students in their day-to-day mathematical tasks.

Criteria that decide purchasing decisions:

Easy and quick-to-learn program Clarity of the computation process, comparable to handwritten work Visualization options for all data/results Selection of a basic mathematical tool that far exceeds the capabilities of a hand-held calculator in its functionality   

Areas of application

Mathcad is already being used in the basic curriculum during lectures, tutorials and practice sessions During lectures, mathematical material that is being presented can be implemented on the computer Practical working out of solutions for practice tasks and problems 

Results

Students develop conceptual solution strategies with pencil and paper that they can then subsequently implement using Mathcad. At the end of a course, students should be in a position to make decisions with the help of Mathcad and to bring their acquired skills to use in their future professional positions.

"The graphical interface and the way that Mathcad can be used are impressive. Mathematical concepts can be directly implemented on the computer. The classic hand-held calculator is done for.

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Prof. Matthias Stiefenhofer, Laboratory Director, Computer Science/ Simulation, Germany © 2008 PTC