Quantitative Engineering Analysis

Quantitative Engineering Analysis is a first year class engineering class at Olin that focuses on learning how to use tools to solve engineering problems. Through this class we cover linear algebra, multi-variable calculus, and mechanics. We heavily use MATLAB and Mathematica to conduct 3 real-world, partner projects.

The first project was to design and build a boat. We were tasked with using Mathematica to create a design that would float flat and have a certain angle of vanishing stability. We then created a model in Solidworks, laser cut cross sections and built out boat. The topics we cover include:

Functional, parametric and data-driven description of curves and surfaces
Vectors and vector operations
Multi-variable integration
Forces, moments (torques) and free body diagrams

The second project was creating a facial recognition software. For the project of this module, we were able to use what we learned while building a facial recognition software and make another recognition software. My partner and I decided to make a metal identifier using a spark and color test. We were both people who use metals a lot in situations where it is crucial to be using the correct metal. Thus, we found that this software that would tell us the type of metal would be useful to us and other engineers working with metal. We were introduced to the following topics:

Matrices and matrix transformations
Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
Principle component analysis
Linear regression

The third project was our robotics unit where we coded a pre-built robot to follow certain paths. In the first project, we were given an equation of a curve and we had to make the robot stay on that curved path. In the second project, we used Lidars to analyze the data surrounding the robot and navigate to a destination while avoiding obstacles. Through this project we learned:

Parametric curves and surfaces (again)
Rotational and translational motion
Gradient and gradient ascent algorithms
Linear regression (again)
Vector and scalar fields.
Potentials