Multidimensional Array in Matlab Programming

MATLAB Illustration

Introduction

MATLAB is designed for matrix and array computations, and often we deal with more than two dimensions. Multidimensional arrays extend traditional 2D matrices to 3D, 4D, or higher, enabling advanced data storage, scientific computing, and simulations.

Multidimensional arrays are essential for image processing, tensor computations, and multidimensional datasets.


Step 1: Creating Multidimensional Arrays

3D Array Example

 
A = cat(3, [1 2; 3 4], [5 6; 7 8]); disp(A)
  • A(:,:,1) → first “slice”

  • A(:,:,2) → second “slice”

Alternative Creation Using zeros or ones

 
B = zeros(2,3,4); % 2x3x4 array of zeros C = ones(3,3,3); % 3x3x3 array of ones

Step 2: Accessing Elements

Access specific elements in a multidimensional array using indices for each dimension:

 
elem = A(1,2,2); % Row 1, Column 2, Slice 2 disp(elem) % Output: 6

Step 3: Modifying Elements

Assign values to specific elements or entire slices:

 
A(2,1,1) = 10; % Change element A(:,:,2) = [9 8; 7 6]; % Change entire slice

Step 4: Array Operations

MATLAB supports arithmetic on multidimensional arrays:

 
D = A + 2; % Add 2 to all elements E = A .* 2; % Multiply all elements by 2 F = A + B; % Element-wise addition with another 3D array

Step 5: Size and Dimensions

Use size and ndims to check dimensions:

 
disp(size(A)) % Output: [2 2 2] disp(ndims(A)) % Output: 3
  • size(A,3) → size along 3rd dimension


Step 6: Reshaping Arrays

Change array dimensions using reshape:

 
G = reshape(A, 4, 2); % Converts 2x2x2 into 4x2 disp(G)

Step 7: Applications of Multidimensional Arrays

  • Image and video processing (RGB images as 3D arrays)

  • Scientific simulations (e.g., fluid dynamics, temperature fields)

  • Machine learning (tensors in neural networks)

  • Storing experimental data across multiple parameters


Conclusion

Multidimensional arrays in MATLAB extend the capabilities of 2D matrices, enabling efficient storage, computation, and analysis of high-dimensional data. By mastering creation, indexing, modification, and operations, you can handle complex datasets and implement advanced simulations in engineering, science, and data analysis.

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