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