Steel Column Base Plate Design: AISC Design Guide 1 Worked Example
Design a concentrically loaded steel base plate per AISC Design Guide 1: required bearing area, cantilever, plate thickness, and a full W10x49 worked example.
Mechanical Design Tools
Mechanical Engineering Design Tools
Here you can find an assortment of mechanical design tools intended to help reduce the monotony of mechanical engineering. The hope is that these guides and help you located frequently need information and will help streamline your design process.
There are tables, formulas, shortcuts and advice. All these should be taken as aids, but never accepted without your own validation of the mechanical design tools within the context of your own application and your own analysis.
If there are any areas where you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us to recommend a new design tool.
Bearing Fit Selection: ISO 286 Shaft and Housing Tolerances
How to choose bearing fits with ISO 286: the rotating-load rule, k5/H7 tolerances, a worked 6205 example, and how interference eats internal clearance.
Bolt Torque and Preload: Using T = K x D x F Correctly
Understand bolt preload and the T = K x D x F torque equation: nut factor K, proof-load-based preload targets, and a 1/2-13 Grade 5 worked example.
O-Ring Groove Design: Squeeze and Gland Fill Done Right
How to design an O-ring groove: target squeeze, 60-85% gland fill, and an AS568-214 worked example for a static radial seal.
ASCE 7-22 Wind Load on Rooftop Equipment: A Worked Example
Calculate ASCE 7-22 wind load on rooftop units and appurtenances: velocity pressure q_z, Kz, Kd, gust factor, and a full worked design-force example.
Beam Deflection Formulas and a Worked L/360 Check
Beam deflection formulas for simply supported, cantilever, and fixed-fixed beams, the L/360 and L/240 serviceability limits, and a full worked example.
Sizing Hydraulic Hose: Fluid Velocity and Pressure Drop
Size a hydraulic hose the right way. Velocity limits, the flow-diameter equation, a 12 gpm worked example, pressure drop, and SAE 100R selection.
O-Ring Gland Design: Squeeze and Groove Sizing with AS568
Design an O-ring groove that actually seals. AS568 dash numbers, squeeze targets, gland fill limits, and a full worked example for a -214 ring.
Bolt Preload and Torque: Getting the K-Factor Right
Torque sets bolt preload through friction. Learn the T = K D F equation, how to choose the nut factor K, and a worked example on a Grade 8 bolt.
How to Calculate L10 Bearing Life: ISO 281 Worked Example
Learn to calculate L10 bearing life with the ISO 281 rating equation. Full worked example, hours conversion, and the adjustment factors that matter.