Learn how to implement Python in the context of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Python for Scientists and Engineers

In this module, we'll learn about the Python programming language in the context of mechanical and aerospace engineering. We'll learn how to plot airfoil coordinates and graph thrust available, thrust required, and dynamic pressure. Moreover, we’ll get a firm overview of orbital parameters and how to model both 2D and 3D static orbits. By the end of this module, we'll have a good knowledge of how Python works in the fields of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Python for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

## Functions

Before you get into graphing, you need to learn about functions.

Let’s use the equation $y = x^2$ to explain what a function is in Python. You can write a function that takes x, turns it into $x^2$, and returns $x^2$ back to what originally called the function. This characteristic means that you do not have to keep pasting in the equation every time you want to use it; you can just invoke the function to calculate it for us. It is easy enough to write $x^2$ each time, but it would become more annoying to keep pasting a more complicated equation. The other benefit is that you can edit the function’s calculation in one place, and those changes will be reflected immediately every time we call that equation. If you suddenly wanted the function to calculate $x^3$ instead of $x^2$, you would not have to go hunt for every $x^2$ in the code to change. You create a function in Python by starting with the `def` keyword. For example:



# Functions

Before you get into graphing, you need to learn about functions.

Let’s use the equation $y = x^2$ to explain what a function is in Python. You can write a function that takes x, turns it into $x^2$, and returns $x^2$ back to what originally called the function. This characteristic means that you do not have to keep pasting in the equation every time you want to use it; you can just invoke the function to calculate it for us. It is easy enough to write $x^2$ each time, but it would become more annoying to keep pasting a more complicated equation. The other benefit is that you can edit the function’s calculation in one place, and those changes will be reflected immediately every time we call that equation. If you suddenly wanted the function to calculate $x^3$ instead of $x^2$, you would not have to go hunt for every $x^2$ in the code to change. You create a function in Python by starting with the `def` keyword. For example:



FizzBuzz

Graphing Thrust Available and Thrust Required

Graphing Dynamic Pressure During a Rocket Launch

Getting and Plotting Airfoil Coordinates

Modeling a 2-Body Orbit in 2D and 3D

Unit Conversions

Introduction to Web Scraping

Modeling Camera Shutter Effect

Writing Reports with Pweave

Conclusion

Learning about Functions

Functions