Introduction to Matrix Algebra [.pdf]
http://numericalmethods.eng.usf.edu/matrixalgebrabook/frmMatrixDL.asp
The author of this online textbook is a professor in the Holistic Numerical Methods Institute at the University of South Florida. Although the book is described as an introductory overview of matrix algebra, it deals with many advanced topics. The first five chapters do indeed cover the fundamentals that are important for most people to understand; however, the last half of the book delves into eigenvectors and other fairly complex methods. The advantage to this arrangement is that the book will be as useful for inexperienced people as it will be for others with some background in linear algebra. Clearly defined terms and example problems make the book quite easy to follow. At the end of each chapter, a small number of homework problems are presented. Solutions are not supplied for all problems, though. [CL]
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Algorithms in the "Real World" [.pdf, .ps, .gz]
http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/project/pscico-guyb/realworld/www/index.html
Algorithms in the "Real World" is a computer science class at Carnegie Mellon University. While the Course Versions links have information primarily related to each semester's offerings, the rest of the material on this site provides an excellent introduction of the subject matter for anyone who is interested. The lecture notes, which are neatly organized and could easily be made into a book, cover topics like data compression, cryptography, pattern matching, and much more. Links to several on- and offsite research papers, tutorials, and background information are also given. [CL]
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Mathematics Help Central [.pdf]
http://www.mathematicshelpcentral.com/
This helpful site offers a number of resources, mainly intended for college-level mathematics students. The bulk of the site's material is contained in the Lecture Notes section. Seven complete sets of notes from math professors are presented, with emphases on courses in college algebra, pre-calculus algebra and trigonometry, and calculus, among others. Ready-to-print graph paper can be downloaded in a variety of grid sizes and layouts. A section of lecture notes on discrete mathematics is also given, although it is a work in progress. [CL]
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ENGnetBASE: The Mechatronics Handbook [.pdf]
http://www.engnetbase.com/ejournals/books/book_summary/summary.asp?id=774
Mechatronics is a multi-disciplinary field that has evolved considerably in the past few years, especially with recent advances in nanotechnology and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). To make the Mechatronics Handbook reflect this fact, almost 90 people from industry and academia contributed to its creation. Published in 2002, the book "provides a unique, detailed overview of this vibrant, dynamic field and sets forth its state of the art." It describes the design process and components of many different mechatronic systems, while at the same time introducing principles from computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. This handbook is possibly the best, most comprehensive online resource dealing with mechatronics. [CL]
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Linear Systems Virtual Experiments: Cleveland State University
http://academic.csuohio.edu/simond/linearsystems/
Offered by Cleveland State University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, these five virtual experiments "are intended to broaden and deepen a student's understanding of linear systems concepts by allowing interactive exploration of various issues." The experiments start by introducing a certain situation and giving necessary background to understand the properties of the particular linear or nonlinear system. Following the introduction, one or two Java applets allow the user to see the system's response over time. Some topics demonstrated in the experiments include superposition, state feedback, and others. [CL]
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The Wavelet Tutorial: The Engineer's Ultimate Guide to Wavelet Analysis
http://engineering.rowan.edu/~polikar/WAVELETS/WTtutorial.html
This site's author created this unique wavelet tutorial to help people with no prior knowledge of wavelet theory. In contrast with many other resources on the topic, which are more advanced in nature, this site starts with a firm overview of the basics and then gradually moves on to subsequent topics of time and frequency domain analysis. The relationship of wavelets to a similar concept, the Fourier transform, is discussed. The four main sections of the tutorial include computer representations that show characteristics of wavelets in two and three dimensions. [CL]
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Best Mechanics [Flash]
http://web.umr.edu/~bestmech/index.html
Best Mechanics is a three-part Web site consisting of educational material about statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials. Although it is a work in progress, the site already has the feel of a finished product. The interactive lessons and exercises are visually stunning, progressively leading the user from fundamental topics to more advanced theory. In addition to the impressive animations, the dynamics section has a large selection of completed problems, and the statics section has a page of images that illustrate various concepts. Each learning unit includes an online feedback form that allows users to offer their opinions about the site's design or content. [CL]
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Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology: Kid's Page [Flash, RealPlayer, Windows Media Player, .pdf]
http://www.ueet.nasa.gov/StudentSite/index.html
NASA's Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology Program hosts this educational site intended mainly for grade school students. Visitors can browse several sections related to aeronautics and flight technology, including one that discusses career paths leading to work in these fields. An introduction to aerodynamics explains how an airplane's systems and design contribute to its flight. The operation of a jet engine is described in a video clip of a NASA researcher, and details of several different types of jet engines are given in the accompanying text. A new feature on the Web site is a trivia game that teaches children about the history of the Wright brothers and their work. [CL]
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