Basic Calculations

Protocol

Hint:

1. Use Calculations Template - you can make a copy of it or include just the relevant quantities.
2. Document your work at a wiki page named MachineName_Calculations
3. Use Presentation Template to explain your calculations with pictures and diagrams. Embed this on the MachineName_Calculations wiki pag. For simple calculations, take pictures of backs of envelopes, your note sheets, screencasts, etc - that show basic quantifications. Use whatever is relevant to quantify what you are working on.

About

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.

Comprehensive List with Links to Online Resources, etc

1. Motor Torque based on power
2. Nichrome Wire Calculator
3. Pulley Calculator
4. Solenoid Force Calculator
5. Solar Angle Calculator
6. Magnet Force Calculator
7. Cycling Power and Speed Calculator
8. Cost of Living
9. Triangle Calculator
10. Motor Speed Calculator
11. Hydraulics Calculators
12. Basic force, torque, stress limit calculations
13. Center of Mass + Weight
14. Range of Motion Design calculations
15. CAE analysis for structural failure, fatigue, deformation, crash testing, abrasion, thermal properties, and others
16. Cost
17. Beam deflection
18. Expected lifetime
19. Basics Statics calculations according to Basic Statics Calculations Procedure
20. Expected maintenance cost according to Maintenance Cost Template
21. Performance/power/speed/lifetime/lift/etc.
22. Precision calculations - what precision of motion is achieved in devices
23. Tolerancing requirements
24. Hydraulic fluid flow and pressure
25. Basic static loads analysis of mechanical devices
26. Rotation speeds
27. Bending forces
28. Shear strength limits
29. Thermal loss calculations
30. Thermal profiles - FEA
31. Geometrical optics
32. Torque calculations
33. Rotational inertia
34. EMF calculations
35. Thermal mass calculations
36. Combustion calculations
37. Embodied energy calculations
38. 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

Spreadsheet

The typical calculations for consideration are:

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