Basic Calculations

Scaling Calculations are calculations that also consider scalability. These calculations include all relevant physical, mechanical, fluid, electrical, chemical, thermal, static, dynamic, aerodynamic, acoustic, optical, hydrological, nuclear, structural, and other properties that allow a machine to be effective for a particular purpose. Scalability is emphasized because a single design should be adaptable to different scales of operation via Intensive and Extensive Scalability. Calculations include both parameters and calculations based on these parameters.

The typical calculations for consideration are:

1. Basic force, torque, stress limit calculations
2. Center of Mass + Weight
3. Range of Motion
4. CAE analysis for structural failure, fatigue, deformation, crash testing, abrasion, thermal properties, and others
5. Cost
6. Beam deflection
7. Expected lifetime
8. Basics Statics calculations according to Basic Statics Calculations Procedure
9. Expected maintenance cost according to Maintenance Cost Template
10. Performance/power/speed/lifetime/lift/etc.
11. Precision calculations - what precision of motion is achieved in devices
12. Tolerancing requirements
13. Hydraulic fluid flow and pressure
14. Basic static loads analysis of mechanical devices
15. Rotation speeds
16. Bending forces
17. Shear strength limits
18. Thermal losses
19. Geometrical optics
20. Torque calculations
21. Rotational inertia
22. EMF calculations
23. Thermal mass calculations
24. Combustion calculations
25. Embodied energy calculations
26. etc.

These calculations should be performed for all critical components of machines, even though the aim is not Value Engineering. In the case over-building of components for purposes of lifetime design, calculations are relevant for providing accurate assessment of safety factors and performance expectations independent of empirical performance data.

A list of desired calculations or data points should be produced for each machine. Note: a spreadsheet or education page should be included to give a crash course on each calculation for the benefit of a novice who has a working knowledge of secondary-level

Protocol

• Use Calculations Template - make a copy of it.
• Embed it in a wiki page named MachineName_Calculations
• For simple calculations, take pictures of backs of envelopes, your note sheets, screencasts, etc - that show basic quantifications. These are critical to understanding performance of machines.