Python for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

by Alex Kenan

Overview

The traditional computer science courses for engineering focus on the fundamentals of programming without demonstrating the wide array of practical applications for fields outside of computer science. Thus, the mindset of "Java/Python is for computer science people or programmers, and MATLAB is for engineering" develops. MATLAB tends to dominate the engineering space because it is viewed as a batteries-included software kit that is focused on functional programming. Everything in MATLAB is some sort of array, and it lends itself to engineering integration with its toolkits like Simulink and other add-ins. The downside of MATLAB is that it is proprietary software, the license is expensive to purchase, and it is more limited than Python for doing tasks besides calculating or data capturing.

This book is about the Python programming language. Specifically, it is about Python in the context of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Did you know that Python can be used to model a satellite orbiting the Earth?

You can find the completed programs and a very helpful 595 page NSA Python tutorial at the book's GitHub page at https: //www.github.com/alexkenan/pymae

Read more about the book, including a sample part of Chapter 5, at https: //www.alexkenan.com/pymae/sample/

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781736060629
Publisher:	Alexander Kenan
Publication date:	12/13/2020
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

Alex Kenan is a Senior Analyst at Delta Air Lines in the SkyMiles loyalty program, focusing on data analysis and program strategy. He uses Python, SAS software suite, and Oracle Hyperion to build models of future customer behavior, creates consumer insight from past customer behavior, and performs ad-hoc analyses for frequent flyer population impact. He provides instruction to new hires on data analysis in SAS software suite, Oracle Hyperion, Microsoft Access, and Python. He also uses Python to catch and prevent fraud in the SkyMiles program by identifying and blocking fraudulent redemptions and identifying hacked customer accounts.

Alex previously worked as a Propulsion Engineer for Delta TechOps where he oversaw a jet engine portfolio of nearly 200 Rolls-Royce engines, and nearly 900 CFM56-5A, CFM56-5B, and CFM56-7B engines before that. He was responsible for the overall engine reliability for in-flight shutdown rate, unscheduled engine removal rate, and delays attributed to engine issues. He used Python to correlate engine component failure to FADEC faults which improved engine component troubleshooting and reduced engine component repair and overhaul costs.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration from Emory University’s Goizueta School of Business.