GrafiCalc Examples. Here are nineteen (19) examples that illustrate proven applications of GrafiCalc technology.

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1 GrafiCalc Examples Here are nineteen (19) examples that illustrate proven applications of GrafiCalc technology. The examples have been arranged to show the following capabilities. 1. Predictive engineering 2. "What if" engineering 3. Backsolving 4. Dimension Driven Calculations 5. Graphical Solutions 6. Programmed Calculations 7. Engineering Knowledge Reuse 8. Excel Connection Please scroll down to see the examples (12 pages). 1

2 1. Predictive Engineering: GrafiCalc is a decision-support tool especially useful for evaluating and validating design and engineering options before committing to final design. In the example above user is evaluating a paper transport machinery design. As the paper web roll diameter is specified, GrafiCalc automatically calculates the lifting force, roll weight, and the dancer force on the paper. In the example above user is evaluating a forge process. As the tool radius and machining allowance are changed, GrafiCalc automatically updates the part's weight calculation. 2

3 Predictive Engineering (contd.) In the example above user is evaluating a lens system design. As new lens radius is specified the image error is re-calculated automatically. In the example above user is evaluating a ship hull cross-section. GrafiCalc geometry associative calculation built-in functions are calculating the vital section properties automatically. As the water line is moved the section properties are automatically updated. 3

4 2. "What if" engineering: With GrafiCalc you can associate geometry, dimensions, and calculations in a single flexible model that represents the functional intents of the design challenge. Then you can change any parameter to ask and receive instantaneous decision-support information and solutions. In the example above, as the user changes the drive ratio from 1 to 2, the belt drive geometry is updated and the belt tension and length are recalculated automatically. In the example above, as the user changes the flap door angle, the geometry is updated and the buckling load calculated by the associative force diagram is updated automatically. "GrafiCalc is like the Swiss Army Knife for design engineers." Alan Moss, Senior Consulting Engineer ATSI. USA 4

5 3. Backsolving: GrafiCalc includes an industry-first geometry Goalseek feature that enables users to state desired design goals and have the computer backsolve exact geometry to meet the goal automatically. With GrafiCalc you can automatically solve design challenges that benefit from optimization against stated shape, position, and fit goals. When you know the desired result of any calculation or dimension, you can use GrafiCalc Goalseek feature to backsolve the challenge. When goal seeking, GrafiCalc iteratively varies the user selected attributes of one specific geometry until the formula result or the parameter that is dependent on the specified attribute returns the result you want. In the example above, GrafiCalc backsolved the size of the hole in the cantilever beam section that would meet the user specified deflection target. In the example above, GrafiCalc backsolved the length of the slot to locate the centroid at the desired distance from the left hole. 5

6 Backsolving (contd.) In the example above GrafiCalc backsolved the angle of the idler arm to position the idler to fit the specified belt length. As the belt drive ratio is changed the tensioner angle is recalculated automatically. In the example above, GrafiCalc backsolved the radius of the head stopper in a CD player mechanism to position the head mounted at B to be exactly on the servo track. GrafiCalc 2009 eliminates the "error" from trail and error! 6

7 4. Dimension Driven Calculation: In GrafiCalc you can use dimension values directly in Formula bar calculations. This powerful capability in GrafiCalc virtually eliminates trigonometry and tedious equation solving. In the example above, GrafiCalc Formula bar is setup to calculate the swept volume of a profile using the standard Pappas theorem: Volume = Profile Area X Distance moved by Centroid of Profile. The dimension measuring the distance of centroid from axis of revolution is included directly in the Formula bar calculation. As the profile changes the associative dimension is updated and the volume is recalculated automatically. In the example above as the seat height of the bike is changed the dimension-driven weight distribution calculations are updated automatically. 7

8 5. Graphical Solutions: In several situations GrafiCalc enables users to obtain graphical solutions for complex problems without performing any calculations. This enables users to "sketch and solve" many engineering challenges in minutes instead of hours, In the example above, as the user changes the actuator length for a valve assembly - the aperture is calculated graphically. In the unique application shown above, engineers in Finland are performing first level stress analysis of masonry bridges for high speed rail travel without performing any calculations a task that was otherwise done using tedious FEA (finite element analysis). 8

9 Graphical Solutions (contd.) GrafiCalc 2009 is ideally suitable for performing the vector calculations of forces in a free body diagram. You can setup the force vector diagram as standalone solution as shown in the illustration above as well as constrain the input variable vectors with respect to geometry in the function model. This way when geometry in the function model changes the force diagram is updated automatically. In several situations GrafiCalc 2009 eliminates mathematics, trigonometry, and tedious spreadsheet based calculations to delivers graphical solution to design and engineering challenges in minutes instead of hours. "GrafiCalc has saved us considerable time in the modeling and optimization of the geometry used in our positive displacement machinery. What we used to do with geometric data from our CAD system and numerical data from our spreadsheet models is now entirely done within GrafiCalc at a fraction of the time that it used to take." Steve Chomyszak, Chief Engineer Mechanology LLC. USA 9

10 6. Programmed Calculations: The programmable geometrical calculation facility in GrafiCalc allows users to define calculation macros that are be bi-directionally linked with geometry and dimensions in worksheets. Multiple calculations can call each other for input as well as output values. Values in the calculator can also be driven by Excel values using the DDE link. This powerful feature allows users to create custom validated calculations libraries that can be reused and shared with other members of design team in the organization. In the example above, the outer radius of a disc brake is driven by the results of the programmed calculation that is linked to the geometry of the disc brake. As the user changes the values of the temperature delta, the plate thickness, or the material property, the entire calculation is updated automatically to deliver the new radius of the disc brake. "GrafiCalc makes it very easy to achieve the functional requirements of mechanical systems - before we start modeling. This has resulted in substantial reductions in post modeling work." Dave Thomas, Project Leader CMD Corporation. USA 10

11 7. Engineering Knowledge Reuse: Since problems and their solutions are electronically stored in GrafiCalc models. Then you can reuse the models to solve engineering challenges without reinventing the wheel every time. In the example above, as the user specifies the required surface for the finned heat sink template - the part geometry is updated in GrafiCalc automatically. The shape can be saved in DXF format in GrafiCalc and reused in CAD In the example above, the user manufacturing timing belts defined an electronic prototype template that can be reused to suit new application conditions. 11

12 8. Excel Connection: GrafiCalc can be used standalone as well as in conjunction with Excel to leverage your existing investments in Excel calculations and VB applications. You can easily connect GrafiCalc and Microsoft Excel to dynamically exchange data, both ways, using Windows standard DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) protocol. This way you can use GrafiCalc to provide Excel calculations complex geometry-dependent values and measurements. Conversely, you can use Excel calculations and VB programs to drive any freedom of any geometry and empirical values in GrafiCalc. The combination of GrafiCalc and Excel make a truly powerful problem-solving platform! In the example above Excel and GrafiCalc have been bi-directionally linked using Windows standard DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) protocol. As outer and inner diameters are specified in Excel the geometry of the for the beam section are updated in GrafiCalc. The area and Section Modulus calculations are automatically updated in GrafiCalc and the values are transferred to Excel calculations dynamically. GrafiCalc 2009 and Microsoft Excel make an excellent problem solving team. "GrafiCalc pays for itself every time I setup a problem." Mike Poccia, Senior Mechanical Engineer Eastman Kodak. USA If you can sketch it GrafiCalc can solve it! 12