Dr R N Sankhua Talks About His Book “MATLAB: SMART ANALYTICS FOR ENGINEERING”

About the Author:

The author is an accomplished professional with a Ph.D. in water resources engineering from IIT, Roorkee after earning B.Tech (Hons)(Civil) from the NIT, Rourkela, and M.E. (Hons) from the IIT, Roorkee. A 1990 UPSC Engineering Services officer, he currently serves as Member, KRMB, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Renowned for integrating hydroinformatics, GIS, remote sensing, neural networks, fuzzy logic, and MATLAB in water system optimization, he has led 16 river interlinking projects. He has authored 9 books—6 technical & 3 fictional—and published 195 research papers. As Director of the National Water Academy, he mentored 6 Ph.D. and 30 M.Tech scholars and organized 60 training programs. He has delivered 1,800 expert lectures and completed over 10 DPRs and 25 GIS-based projects. A visionary engineer, he has been instrumental in complex technical studies, including the reassessment of India’s basin-wise water potential and IWRM and for guiding teams through complex technical challenges, fostering innovation, and ensuring successful project outcomes in both academic and professional settings.

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A: Drawing upon extensive experience imparting training to engineers and guiding postgraduate research in water resources engineering, the impetus to author “Smart Analytics for Engineering” arose from a recognized exigency to equip practitioners with accessible MATLAB-based methodologies for navigating the complexities of hydroinformatics and modelling.

Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?

A: MATLAB: Smart Analytics for Water Engineering is an advanced, application-centric volume designed to foster proficiency in MATLAB within the specialized field of civil engineering. Drawing on a “learn-by-doing” pedagogical approach, the book integrates foundational programming constructs—such as matrix manipulation, vectorization, and indexing—with advanced computational methodologies including linear algebra, optimization, and statistical analysis. A distinguishing feature is its comprehensive focus on intelligent systems, encompassing neural networks, fuzzy logic, and genetic algorithms. Further enriched by capabilities in image processing, Simulink-based modeling, and immersive virtual reality techniques, the book enables dynamic analytical engagement. Anchored in practical relevance, 13 case studies illustrate practical applications across diverse hydrological basin systems, thereby bridging theory with practice. Though not an exhaustive reference manual, the text offers a strategically curated, intellectually accessible resource for engineers, researchers, and academics. It empowers users to harness MATLAB’s multifaceted functionalities in solving complex, interdisciplinary problems in contemporary water engineering.

Q: What Does The Title Mean?

A: The title “Matlab: Smart Analytics for Engineering, (with animations and Graphics)” signifies a sophisticated software environment, Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB), designed for advanced analytical computations in engineering disciplines, enhanced by dynamic visualizations through animations and graphics.

Q: What Does Success Mean To You? What Is The Definition Of Success?

A: Success, in academic discourse, is generally construed as the attainment of a desired outcome, achievement of a goal, or realization of one’s potential, often measured against specific criteria or within a particular context.

Q: Do You Have Any Suggestions To Help Others To Become A Better Writer? If So, What Are They?

A: Gather knowledge and experience before writing a book on a particular topic.