Introduction to

Computational
Engineering
Highlights:
1. Core principles
2. Applications
Lecturer
Tan Min Keng

Room 64,
Level 2 (1st Floor), Block A, Faculty of Engineering

016-443 7231
[email protected]
https://itel.ums.edu.my/
 What is Computational Engineering?

Computatio
Engineering Computatio
nal
Principles nal Science
Engineering

Purpose:
Solve complex engineering problems using computational methods
Tools:
Computational tools (e.g. software) and techniques (e.g. simulation &
algorithms)
Application:
To analyse and optimise engineering system characteristics
Fundamental Concept
The foundation of computational engineering lies in
1. mathematical modelling,
2. numerical analysis, and
3. computer programming

These concepts form the basis for simulating and analysing real-world engineering
systems,
enabling accurate predictions and optimisations.
Modelling and Simulation
Allow engineers to create
1. virtual prototypes and
2. conduct virtual experiments
before physical implementation.

This approach reduces costs, accelerates innovation, and minimises risks in

engineering design.

Challenges:
3. Validating simulations and
4. Managing computational resources.
Applications
Computational engineering has revolutionised various industries, including automotive,
aerospace, and energy.

It plays a crucial role in

1. optimising designs,
2. predicting performance, and
3. simulating complex systems,
leading to advancements in efficiency and sustainability.
Ethical Considerations
As computational engineering influences critical decisions and designs, ethical
considerations regarding
1. privacy,
2. security, and
3. bias
in computational models become paramount.

Upholding ethical standards is crucial to ensure the responsible application of

computational engineering.
Topic
Computational
Engineering

1 5

Computational Computational
Thinking Algorithm
2 4

Modelling & Data

Simulation Analysis
3

Optimisation
Technique
 Module 1
Computational Thinking
Highlights:
1. Problem-solving
2. Algorithmic thinking
Computational Thinking
Concept & significance of Computational Thinking:
Problem-Solving and Logical Thinking
Computational thinking involves problem-solving and logical thinking skills.

Decomposition of Complex Problems

It emphasizes breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts.

Understanding to Computational Thinking:

Involves analysing and solving problems methodically, using abstraction and logical
reasoning.

It is a fundamental skill for navigating the digital world and creating innovative solutions.
 Key Components

1 3 5

Abstraction Reasoning Creativity

Identify the essential Develop step-by-step Use tools & techniques

2
features of a problem procedures for problem- 4 to create solution
solving
Decompositi
Pattern
on

Break down the complex Identify similarities &

problem into smaller differences between
components solutions
 Develop Computational Thinking
Skill
Algorithmic thinking involves creating step-by-step procedures to solve
Practiceproblems. Enhanced Refine Engage in Foster Logic-
Decompositio Pattern Algorithm Coding based
n Recognition
It requires sequencing, iteration, Design
and conditional logic Activities
to develop efficient Activities
algorithms.
• Recognizing • Creating step- • Participating in • Engaging in
• Breaking down patterns and by-step coding logic-based
trends within procedures exercises and puzzles and
complex
data or and projects helps activities
problems into
problems is a instructions to in applying helps in
smaller,
crucial aspect solve computational developing
manageable
of problems thinking logical
parts is
computational enhances principles in reasoning and
essential for
thinking. algorithmic real-world problem-
developing
thinking and scenarios. solving skills.
computational
problem-
thinking skills.
solving skills.
Application of Computational
Thinking
Enhanced Problem-Solving
Computational thinking enhances problem-solving abilities by breaking down complex
issues into smaller, manageable parts.

Improved Logical Reasoning

It fosters improved logical reasoning skills, enabling individuals to make sound decisions
based on data and evidence.

Cross-Cross-Disciplinary Applications
Computational thinking is applied in diverse fields such as computer science, data
analysis, and decision-making, showcasing its versatility.
 Example (Travelling)
Assume you are taking
holiday in Romania.

You plan to travel from

Arad to Bucharest.

You need to figure out

the best route.

Apply the Computational

Thinking to solve the
problem.
Abstraction:
Best route to travel from Arad to Bucharest

Decomposition:
Shortest distance / shortest travel time
/ minimum stops / less congestion

Reasoning:
Estimate driving speed and
determine the estimated arrival time

Pattern:
Look at the similarities and differences between the problems and solutions
Apply the same route planning rules for travelling from Sibiu to Craioves

Creativity:
Text with various approaches and think outside the box, such as add whether conditions
Example (Mobile App Development)
Assume you want to develop a mobile app that helps people track their daily water intake.

Abstraction : Develop an app to track daily intake

Decomposition : Record amount of intake / set reminder / display progress

Reasoning : Allow users to fill up the intake amount / calculate daily goal / set alarm
interval

Pattern : Apply the same approach for other application, such as track the sleeping
time

Creativity : Add machine learning to personalise water goal based on user data
Exercise (Robotic)
Assume you want to design a control system for a robotic arm to move to a specific position precisely.

Abstraction :the control system needs to abstract the physical movements of the robotic arm into mathematical models
and algorithms that can be used to calculate the necessary control inputs to achieve the desired position accurately.

Decomposition :determining the current position of the robotic arm, calculating the required trajectory to reach the target
position, and generating control signals to drive the motors.

Reasoning :Reasoning plays a crucial role in deciding how the control system should behave in different situations. This
includes error handling, feedback mechanisms to correct deviations from the target position, and decision-making processes
to adjust control parameters based on sensor feedback.

Pattern : Recognizing patterns in the data and control signals is important for optimizing the control system's
performance. This could involve using techniques like PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control to adjust the control
inputs based on the error signal between the target position and the actual position of the robotic arm.

Creativity :Creativity is required to design innovative control strategies that can handle complex scenarios and improve
the overall performance of the robotic arm. This could involve experimenting with different control algorithms, sensor
configurations, or feedback mechanisms to achieve better accuracy and efficiency in positioning the robotic arm
Exercise (Circuit Analysis)
Assume you want to design a filter circuit that removes noise from a signal.

Abstraction :Understand the noise present in the signal and create a simplified model of it for filtering
purposes.

Decomposition :Break down the filtering task into steps like identifying the type of noise, selecting a
suitable filter type, and designing the filter components.

Reasoning :Make logical decisions based on the noise characteristics, desired signal quality, and filter
design parameters

Pattern :Look for repeating patterns in the noise signal to tailor the filter design for effective noise
reduction

Creativity :Explore different filter configurations and techniques to creatively address the noise
removal challenge and optimize signal quality.
Exercise (Circuit Analysis)
Assume you want to design a AC-to-DC converter.

Abstraction : Converting AC to DC.

Decomposition :Change the AC voltage to a desired level. Components: Transformer.

Reasoning :Considering the requirements and constraints..Determine the input AC

voltage and desired DC output voltage and current.Choose components and designs that
minimize energy loss.

Pattern :Utilize existing design patterns and proven circuit topologies:

Creativity :Explore new semiconductor technologies for better efficiency and
performance.