Scaling 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
The typical calculations for consideration are:
- Weight and center of gravity calculations
- Range of motion
- Power output
- Hydraulic fluid flow and pressure
- CAE analysis for structural failure, fatigue, deformation, abrasion, thermal properties, and others
- Basic static loads analysis of mechanical devices
- Rotation speeds
- Bending forces
- Shear limits
- Thermal losses
- Geometrical optics
- Torque calculations
- Shaft bending
- Rotational inertia
- Basic force calculations
- EMF calculations
- Thermal mass calculations
- Combustion calculations
These calculations should be performed for all critical components of machines, even though the aim is not Value Engineering. Even though lifetime design may involve over-building of components, that does not mean that calculations should be absent. This is relevant for providing accurate assessment of safety factors and performance expectations independent from empirical performance data.
Note: a spreadsheet or education page should be included to give a crash course on each calculation: