Unrelated: Math Project

[Carter]

Hey all,

I have to do a math project for school in which I have to interview someone who has a job. Guess what, I'm a dman procrastinator and the project is due tomorrow.

I really need your help guys,

Here are the questions that i need to ask:

1. Give and example of a work problem you solve by using math. Please explain this in detail because I need to make an equation for the problem. ( basic arithmatic like just + - * / dont count )

2. Explain how this problem relates to your job.

3. Explain how you use math in your job and how the problem for #1 comes up in your work.

4. Your full name, the name of the place where you work, and your daytime phone number.

I also need pictures about your job, so please attach any that you have.

Another thing, even if someone posts, you can still post about your job, the more options I have the better my project will be.

Thanks so much for your time,

Carter Coulombe

 

[SD_Ryoko]

(Funny, but truth... I did do this)

1. The ammounts of coffee-to-water ratio posted on the bulltin board were incorrect. I used a cross-multiplication to calculate the correct values.

30 cups         45 cups
_______   =    _______
2.5 Scoops        X

2. This relates to my job because my day starts with coffee. If it is unsatisfactoy, I cannot work as effeciently, and products could be shipped without highest quality engineering.

 

[SD_Ryoko]

You know, I really, really shouldn't be doing this for you, as you waited till LAST MINUTE to do it.

I sketched down three math problems I use all the time, and decided this one was the EASIEST one I've got. Yet detailed enough you could use it.

I am a tool and machine designer. My company does work for the aerospace industry. Some of our products are simple fixtures and gages, others are massive structural components and automated machines.

Often times we will need a counter weight for a product we are designing. The total mass of all the components on one end of the pivot need to be calculated out, then a weight-to-distance ratio needs to be calculated on each end.

Rarely do we even have nominal distances to work with, so we need to precisely calculate the weight required with the distance available.

First, we need to calculate the entire weight of the primary side of the pivot. This may include transducer probes, mounting cables, and modular digital components. Then, a center of gravity will be calculated to determine the exact point the weight will be pushing downward. Thats probobly the harder part. Our cad software does very acurate mass properties calculations for weight.

Given the distance to the CG and the weight, we can then convert them to a torque measurement, and cross multiply it with the available distance on the other side.

Counter               CG Of components
Weight                            |
-------0------------------------------------

With informal units,

(42.5in*15lbs) = (Xlbs *10in)

42.5in * 15lbs
___________ = X lbs
10

X = 63.75 lbs

So if we had 15 pounds of material with a center of gravity that is 42.5" away from the pivot point, and out counter weight is 10 inches away, we will need a counterweight that is almost 64 pounds. Subtracting a few pounds from the counterweight will allow the component side to rest nicely, but be lifted easily by an operator loading the fixture.

This problem comes up a lot in our job because we do work for large structural parts. Pivot assemblies and swing arms are often crucial for loading such a massive structure into a fixture. We may also use counter weights for lifting structures that weigh a couple tons. Because larger products sell for $100,000 or more, it is imperative that these operations are calculated correctly.

Dan Krempel
Progage Engineering
440-951-4477

Below is a picture of a qualification fixture that uses a counterweight on a pivot loader. The rectangular counter weight can be seen in the back, and the structural engine part fits inside the machine.

 

[SD_Ryoko]

This fixture I designed uses swing arms to check the diameters of a casting. The swing arms are balanced with counterweights to prevent unncessary wear on the bearings. A five foot diameter turbine exhaust case drops down into the center of the fixture.

 

[SD_Ryoko]

Wait - Lucky day.

I even found a picture of the casting that goes in it.

 

[SD_Ryoko]

AND (okay, getting out of hand) a picture of a similar style P&W engine it goes into.

 

[Carter]

omfg dude you are my savior!

i can't believe you did this for me man, thank you so much!

seriously, i need to repay you for this, anything reasonable that you need ill try to help you with.

thanks so much again, this is pefect.

 

[SD_Ryoko]

Send me 20 bucks... get ma smokes, and some red bull.

 

[The Helper]

lol nice job man