Basic Calculations

Calulations are importance for reasons of determining performance. They are also used in product literature to show useful product specifications.

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:

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1. Motor Torque based on power
2. Basic force, torque, stress limit calculations
3. Center of Mass + Weight
4. Range of Motion Design calculations
5. CAE analysis for structural failure, fatigue, deformation, crash testing, abrasion, thermal properties, and others
6. Cost
7. Beam deflection
8. Expected lifetime
9. Basics Statics calculations according to Basic Statics Calculations Procedure
10. Expected maintenance cost according to Maintenance Cost Template
11. Performance/power/speed/lifetime/lift/etc.
12. Precision calculations - what precision of motion is achieved in devices
13. Tolerancing requirements
14. Hydraulic fluid flow and pressure
15. Basic static loads analysis of mechanical devices
16. Rotation speeds
17. Bending forces
18. Shear strength limits
19. Thermal loss calculations
20. Thermal profiles - FEA
21. Geometrical optics
22. Torque calculations
23. Rotational inertia
24. EMF calculations
25. Thermal mass calculations
26. Combustion calculations
27. Embodied energy calculations
28. 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