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. Calculations include both parameters and calculations based on these parameters.
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 strength limits
- Thermal losses
- Geometrical optics
- Torque calculations
- Rotational inertia
- Basic force calculations
- EMF calculations
- Thermal mass calculations
- Combustion calculations
- Embodied energy calculations
- 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