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| Grassmann Algebra | Programming for Engineers with Mathematica | Probabilistic and Robust Design | Mathematica | Contact Details |

The new address of this page (February 2007) is http://grassmannalgebra.info. If you used an old link you will have been automatically re-directed, even though the old link still shows. Please update any old links, as they will soon be dead.

Grassmann Algebra

What is Grassmann Algebra? Grassmann algebra is a mathematical system which predates vector algebra, and yet is more powerful than it, subsuming and unifying much of the algebra used by engineers and physicists. It has remained relatively unknown since its discovery over 160 years ago, yet is now emerging as a potential mathematical system for describing such diverse applications as robotic manipulators and fundamental physical theories.

Who was Grassmann? Hermann Grassmann was a German schoolteacher who lived from 1809 to 1877. During his lifetime he wrote on a diverse range of topics including two books specifically on the Ausdehnungslehre - the basis for the Grassmann algebra.

If you are interested in Grassmann's work, you may like to check out my Grassmann Algebra page.

I am at present writing a book on Grassmann Algebra called Grassmann Algebra: Exploring applications of extended vector algebra with Mathematica.

Programming for Engineers with Mathematica

The advantage of using Mathematica as a programming language is that it provides you with a spectrum of high level programming paradigms, and does not lock you into programming in only one way. Its notebook format is also a great way of documenting and communicating the results of your work. Perfect for programming solutions to specialized problems.

If you are interested in programming with Mathematica, you might like to check out my Programming for Engineers page.

Probabilistic and Robust Design

What are probabilistic and robust design? Probabilistic design is a mathematically based engineering design methodology for producing high quality mass-produced products. Robust design is a methodology for optimizing this quality.

What is the problem with the classical approach? The classical approach to engineering design is to apply safety factors to each design variable to allow for uncertainties. If the design is complex, these safety factors can compound to cause overdesign with an uncertain reliability. Furthermore, this approach will not work if the design objective is to keep a given output of interest on target.

If you are interested in probabilistic or robust design, you may like to check out my Probabilistic Design page.

Mathematica

This is seriously useful software for anyone trying to predict the way things work. All of my research, teaching, consulting and publishing uses Mathematica. I now consult and teach Mathematica courses for Quantica Pty Ltd which specializes in all things Mathematica, providing services particularly on the east coast of Australia.

You can get more information on Mathematica from Wolfram Research.

Contact Details

John M Browne
http://grassmannalgebra.info
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