What is Calculations: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A calculation is a deliberate process that transforms one or more inputs into one or more results. The term is used in a variety of senses, from the very definite arithmetical calculation of using an algorithm, to the vague heuristics of calculating a strategy in a competition, or calculating the chance of a successful relationship between two people.
For example, multiplying 7 by 6 is a simple algorithmic calculation. Estimating the fair price for financial instruments using the Black–Scholes model is a more complex algorithmic calculation.
Statistical estimations of the likely election results from opinion polls also involve algorithmic calculations, but produces ranges of possibilities rather than exact answers.
To calculate means to determine mathematically in the case of a number or amount, or in the case of an abstract problem to deduce the answer using logic, reason or common sense. The English word derives from the Latin calculus, which originally meant a small stone in the gall-bladder (from Latin calx). It also meant a pebble used for calculating, or a small stone used as a counter in an abacus (Latin abacus, Greek abax). The abacus was an instrument used by Greeks and Romans for arithmetic calculations, preceding the slide-rule and the electronic calculator, and consisted of perforated pebbles sliding on iron bars.

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  1. A

    Transformer Calculations - determining turns/current/maximum flux

    The Question A single phase transformer has the following rating: 120 kVA, 2000 V/100 V, 60 Hz with 1000 primary turns. Determine: (A) the secondary number of turns (B) the rated currents on the primary and secondary (C) The maximum flux (D) given a maximum flux density of 0.25 T, the...
  2. H

    [Electrochemistry] Reduction potential, keq and kd calculations

    Homework Statement A) Calculate the reduction potential for the reduction of E \cdot Fe^{3+} (aq) by Fe^{2+} B)What is the equilibrium expression, equilbrium constant, and K_{d} for E \cdot Fe^{3+} (aq) Known: Fe^{3+} (aq) + e \rightarrow Fe^{2+}(aq) \hspace{15pt} E = 0.22 V E \cdot...
  3. maistral

    Relative humidity calculations.

    This is totally pissing me off, I don't know what the heck am I doing wrong. Alright, so I was given a temperature of 30°C at 30% relative humidity. I have to get the absolute humidity- So I used Antoine; log(P)=7.96681-1668.21/(228+30); P = 31.6869mmHg. 0.3 x 31.6869 = 9.41517...
  4. O

    Calculations for sun position follower

    HI I'm making a sun follower with a pic, and I need the formulas to calculate the position of the sun, I need to calculate azimuth angle and zenith angle (Is that enough to know at any time the position of the sun?). Thanks
  5. M

    Multi-Section Beam Bending Calculations

    Hello all, I have a shaft supported on both sides with a charge on each bearing, as shown on the following link: http://www.engineersedge.com/beam_bending/beam_bending4.htm I need to calculate the shaft deflection with the formula provided on the website, but my shaft often have different...
  6. S

    How to use interferometer for surface roughness calculations?

    Dear all I am working on a project and I need to measure the surface roughness of a specific type of wood. I don't want to make things complicated because I have to make the instrument myself. I think an interferometer can help me to measure surface roughness but I really don't know how to...
  7. A

    Suggestions for sources with detailed calculations in quantum field theory.

    Can you suggest any source available on internet which may be particularly helpful for those studying/brushing up knowledge of classical or quantum field theory without help of any teacher or friend? Some calculations are at first not so straightforward and there are many types of calculations...
  8. A

    How do I calculate center of mass using integrals and density?

    Just some things I need to verify: When finding the x-bar of the function y=x3 using the equation: \bar{x} = \frac{∫\tilde{x}dm}{∫dm}, Is my \tilde{x} going to be the x distance(which will just be "x") times x3? Also, will x3 be in the denominator just before "dm"? The same process...
  9. A

    Drop Test theoretical calculations & material selection

    Hello, I am currently assigned to perform a drop tests on a unit that we sell. Thing is that I am an Electronic Engineer so I am not best at mechanics. I am wondering whether you can calculate forces and required material strength to withstand the drop test. The reason I am asking is...
  10. T

    Formulas for Transformer Calculations

    I am an EET student. The professor I have is not very thorough in his examples and if you can't keep up with him or have x-ray vision to see through him to the board while he is working the problems then you just don't get the information needed. That said, I am currently trying to do a take...
  11. L

    Calculations for move in a volume in gas

    I would like to calculate the energy need for move in the black volume in gas (move in from r2 to r1), when gas is under rotating movement. The black volume turn at the same speed than gas. The weight of black volume is considered like 0. Like rotating create centripetal force, the pressure at...
  12. T

    Determining margin off error within experimental calculations

    For a physics project, a few friends and I got ahold of a couple of balls that would record the time of an impact. Using this, we wanted to calculate g using kinematics to see how off we would be from the expected 9.81 m/s^2. Obviously, differences in altitude, air resistance, and experimental...
  13. A

    Seat belt force mismatch between test data and calculations

    Hello! I have a question about seat belt force. In a 55km/h collision maximum chest acceleration is 60 g, and if say torso weighs say 40kg, then max force should be 600 m/s^2 * 40kg, which equals a lot, but if you look at test data of seat belt force it is only 8KN which is strange, compared to...
  14. M

    Where can i learn how Gaussian calculations various molecular properties?

    I have a book on Gaussian but it mainly just explains how to use the program, it only gives very brief explanations of the theory behind how Gaussian does what it does. I want to gain an understanding of how Gaussian performs the various types of calculations that it can do. I understand the...
  15. P

    Showing a set is linear dependent without calculations

    Homework Statement Without any calculation, explain why [(1 3 0)' (2 2 1)' (-1 0 1)' (1 -3 1)' ] is a linear dependent set. The Attempt at a Solution I used the theorem which states that the number of vectors in any linearly dependent set is greater than or equal to its dimension...
  16. B

    Calculations for impulse magnetising device

    Hello, I have been looking for a decent electrical forum for quite some time now. Here is my problem. I own a service and rewind company where we rewind and service electrical motors. We also repair servo motors. A lot of times, due to bearing failure, the magnets on the rotor overheat and...
  17. M

    How can you use MCNP to do time-dependent reactor calculations?

    The only thing I know how on the basis of nuclear reactor design is how to run kcode in MCNP and see if my theoretical reactor is critical. How would I be able to calculate how the fuel is burning in my reactor over some period of time, and change my core composition accordingly?
  18. K

    How Do You Calculate Torque for Servo Motors in a Pick and Place System?

    Hi all, I am doing a project on Pick and Place system with 2 Servo based Axis control system. I am struggling in selecting the servo motor and torque calculation. My pick and place system consists of 2 Servo Rotary axis which indexes from 0 degree to 180 Degree with 1 Sec acceleration and...
  19. U

    What Materials and Calculations Are Best for Building a Micro Motor?

    Ok, I want to start by saying I have been out of this field for some time and I have regrettably lost a lot of my knowledge. So I may require a little patients, but here it goes. I am wanting to construct a micro motor. I was trying to decide on what materials to make the internal...
  20. J

    Henderson-Hasselbalch buffer calculations - B + A Question

    Homework Statement To purify osprase you must use 750 mL of an extraction buffer consisting of 0.500 M Tris, pH 7.8, 100 mM NaCl, 20% sucrose. You have the following chemicals available: Tris base (FW = 121.1 g/mol; pKa = 8.1) 1.00 M HCl NaCl (FW = 58.4 g/mol) Sucrose (FW = 342 g/mol)...
  21. T

    Spiral Motion of a Bird of Prey: Analysis & Calculations

    Homework Statement It is common to see birds of prey rising upward on thermals. The paths they take may be spiral-like. You can model the spiral motion as uniform circular motion combined with a constant upward velocity. Assume a bird completes a circle of radius 6.00m every 5.00s and rises...
  22. J

    Calculations with Dirac deltas and position/momentum operators

    Homework Statement Consider the matrix elements of \hat{x} in momentum space. That is, evaluate \langle p | \hat{x} | \psi(t) \rangle in terms of the momentum space wave equation \langle p | \psi(t) \rangle . Homework Equations \langle x | p \rangle = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi \hbar}}...
  23. M

    Calculating Gas Volume and Molecule Count in Lungs During Submarine Emergency

    A submarine has run into trouble and is stuck at the bottom of the ocean. Several people are on board and must make their way to the surface without any diving gear. The air pressure aboard the submarine is 3.500 atm. The air temperature inside the submarine is 17.52 °C and you can take body...
  24. R

    Cantilever Bracket Calculations

    I have a cantilever bracket, fixed at one end, free at the other. One vertical element AB, 330mm long with a fixing at either end to a wall. One horizontal element CD, 375mm long. CD is fixed at 90deg to AB, 130mm from the top. A constant, downward load W=30kg, is applied to the end of CD...
  25. Feodalherren

    Acceleration of a bouncing ball (no calculations needed)

    Homework Statement A hard rubber ball is bounced on the floor. Compare the ball's acceleration on the way down to its acceleration on its way back up. Homework Equations - [b]3. The Attempt at a Solution [/b First off, ignore air resistance. Lets assume that the person bouncing...
  26. K

    Calculating Input Torque for Gearbox and Pump

    Hi all, I have a the following problem to solve fairly quickly, I need to calculate the required input torque to my gearbox and pump Gearbox output torque - 0.12348Nm Gearbox output speed - 80 rpm Gearbox input speed - 4 rpm Gearbox (compound gears) Gear A, driver = 100 teeth, Gear B...
  27. E

    Water cooling system help Lots of things Calculations and everything

    I live in Dubai, and the water for my whole house is stored in a water tank on my roof. This is a problem as during the summer months the temperatures reach up to and a bit beyond 50 degrees in the day, this heats up the water in the tank a lot so we don't have any cold water during the later...
  28. sgtusmc

    Turbofan fluid mechanic and thermodynamic calculations

    I have recently developed a multi-computer networked simulation of a turbofan jet engine test cell control room, including a real-time simulated jet engine "model", PLC control logic, video playback of a engine at various states, and a throttle for maneuvering. I currently calculate all...
  29. Q

    Arbitrary precision calculations

    I decided to write an arbitrary precision calculator but I'm having problems with division. It will multiply a thousand digit number by another thousand digit number in about a second but to get a division result to about 250 decimal places is taking around 20 seconds, I cannot figure out how...
  30. S

    ElectroMagnet Force Calculations?

    I was toying with the idea of making an iron core electromagnet to retrieve a broken portion of my driveshaft from a recess in the end of the crankshaft on my boat motor. The mechanic at my work said I wouldn’t be able to do it, so I figured I would entertain the idea. The driveshaft is...
  31. T

    Roller coaster friction calculations

    I have a physics assignment. Part of it is to calculate the speed throughout the rollercoaster and to not exceed 4.5g's of force. Anyway, I'm calculating the speed of the rollercoaster using the formula 0=g(h2-h1)+0.5(v2^2-v1^2)+μNd (I have already simplified to not include the mass...
  32. C

    Dozer Engine Torque and Horsepower Calculations

    I have been given a project at work to find the number of dozers needed to push a certain volume of material in a certain amount of time. My issue comes with the actual horsepower of the dozers. We run D10T, D11R, D11R CD, and D11T Cat "track-type tractors". So from what I am thinking, I want to...
  33. K

    Torque calculations for peristaltic pump

    Hi all, I have a peristaltic pump that i need to rotate at 26 rev/min. The gear arrangement attached to the pump is calculated at 13.1:1 therefore I am assuming an input speed of 340rev/min is required to produce a reduction in speed to the desired output of 26 rev/min. Gear A (1st...
  34. A

    Finding Dual Basis of Linear Functionals for a Given Basis in C^3

    Hello, Problem, let B={a_1,a_2,a_3} be a basis for C^3 defined by a_1=(1,0,-1) a_2=(1,1,1) a_3=(2,2,0) Find the dual basis of B. My Solution. Let W_1 be the subspace generated by a_2=(1,1,1) a_3=(2,2,0), let's find W*, where W* is the set of linear anihilator of W_1. Consider the system...
  35. I

    Complex power/power factor calculations

    Homework Statement (old exam question attached) Homework Equations Complex power: S = VI* / 2 = P + jQ where P is the average power and Q is the reactive power Magnitude of complex power |S| = Vmax*Imax/2 V = ZI The Attempt at a Solution We can calculate θv - θi for each load by using...
  36. M

    Torque pin stress calculations

    Homework Statement Find torque pin stress given: Length is 5.5 ft length from center to pins are 1.375 ft length between pins is .667 ft pin dia = 2.25" The Attempt at a Solution I am concerned about my calculation for torque pin force. Any suggestions?
  37. S

    Exploring a Parabolic Velocity Profile: Basics & Calculations

    I know it must relate to the velocity profile being a parabola shape and the max velocity being at the peak of the parabola - I wanted to know whether there are actual calculations I can do to show this? I only know the basics so as much details as possible would be great help...
  38. W

    Efficient Cable Calculation for Urgent Motor Circuit - Help Needed

    Good afternonn, these are the motor and circuit data: Motor power: 0.37kW, Nominal current: I= 0.8 A voltage: 415 V, cable length = 80m ambiant temperature: 50°C Maximum voltage drop percentage =415*4% =16.6V According to the Bahraini Regulations: - temprature factor= 0.89 - core...
  39. A

    Improving propagation of error in successive calculations

    Hi, When using data in calculations, errors can be introduced by the calculations themselves; A common example of this kind of data is the atomic mass of some element; The data might be reported by NIST as: 190.233(20), which indicates that the mean is 190.233, and the maximum likelihood...
  40. M

    Help with pulse dc motor calculations- torque, eff, hp

    Hello all, I have a few questions about calculating efficiency, torque and horsepower for a small pulse dc motor. The only parameters that I have are input voltage = 39Vdc, input current = 2A and rpm = 90,000 rpm. Are the above values obtainable with the given information? This is not a...
  41. M

    Bushing(Plain Bearings) load calculations

    I have no idea how to calculate the bushing load which is stated in catalogues in unit N/mm^2 and KgF/cm^2. Anyone knows how?
  42. B

    Oil Tank Analysis for Formula Student Car: Heat Transfer Calculations

    Hi Guys, This is for my university project.I need to design a oil tank for the formula student car.The first stage is the analysis of the existing stock oil tank (Aprilia SXV 550 is the engine).I need to find out the heat lost/transferred from the of the existing oil tank.How can I calculate...
  43. B

    Automotive Heat Transfer Calc for Oil Tank in Formula Student Car

    Hi Guys, This is for my university project.I need to design a oil tank for the formula student car.The first stage is the analysis of the existing stock oil tank (Aprilia SXV 550 is the engine).I need to find out the heat lost/transferred from the of the existing oil tank.How can I calculate...
  44. Roodles01

    Magnetostatic field calculations

    Homework Statement Current, I, flows around symmetrical loop of thin wire. The loop comprises 2 halves (semicircle & triangle). Distance from vertex of triangle equals radius, a, of the semicircle. Find the mag' field at axis of loop (where axes coss) Homework Equations Could I use...
  45. J

    Surface plasmon wavevector calculations

    I am trying to calculate the wavevector of a surface plasmon. The magnitude of the wavevector is given by: k = \frac{ω}{c}\sqrt{\frac{ε_1ε_2}{ε_1+ε_2}} where ε1 is the dielectric constant for air and ε2 is the dielectric constant for the metal. However, according to the Drude model, the...
  46. D

    Passivation for surface calculations.

    Hello, I am doing some calculations of the band structures of the surfaces of several materials. I would like to perform passivisation on these surfaces so as to remove any metallic surface states. Unfortunately, I was never great at chemistry and so it's not obvious to me how to choose what...
  47. D

    Troque calculations for a direct coupledmotor and ball screw

    I know the formula T=F*D but having problems wrapping my head around this problem. I want to direct couple a stepper motor with a .5"D shaft to a .75"D ballscrew. The motor has 400 oz inch torque but since the motor shaft is .5"D or .25" radius How do I calculate the Torque at .25" radius? I...
  48. I

    Mathematica Parallel calculations in Mathematica

    Hello PF. I wanted to optimize time expenditure on some calculation that I'm doing. A natural way to do this can be by computing parts in parallel. Now when I say "parts" I don't mean that some computations are wholly independent of other computations. My situation is that I have a bunch of...
  49. D

    How Do You Calculate Per Unit Values for a 20MVA Motor at 13.8kV?

    1) I'm not sure how to solve this question A 20MVA induction motor connected at 13.8kV draws a load current of 1.0 p.u, 0.85 power factor lag. Calculate the rated load current in Amps and the real power and reactive power drawn by the motor. Express these quantities in per unit form using...
  50. T

    Fatigue calculations for stainless steel seamless tubing

    Looking to understand Fatigue calculations for stainless steel seamless tubing Problem: Material: 304 Stainless Steel tubing (.375 OD, .072 wall) per ASTM specifications used at 158F degrees maximum Ambient UTS 515 MPa, YTS 205 MPA, temperature de-rated per MIL-HDBK-5J to UTS 473.8 MPa, YTS...
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