Calculation Definition and 1000 Threads

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. I

    I Fourier's Trick and calculation of Cn

    I understand that the solutions to the time-independent Schrodinger equation are complete, so a linear combination of the wavefunctions can describe any function (i.e. ##f(x) = \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}c_n\psi_n(x) = \sqrt{\frac{2}{a}} \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} c_n\sin\left(\frac{n\pi}{a}x\right)## for...
  2. P

    MHB Calculation of probability with arithmetic mean of the sum of random variables

    Calculation of probability with arithmetic mean of random variables There are 4 people, each of whom has one deck of cards with 500 cards that are numbered from 1 to 500 with no duplicates. Each person draws a card from his deck and I would like to calculate the probability of the event that...
  3. M

    Pressure calculation, what am I doing wrong ?

    I have a 110 PSI pneumatic line. I have a 700 lbs linear force output. I have 1.230" outside diameter spring using 0.250" wire. My 110 PSI pneumatic line with cylinder is able to compress my 1.230" OD spring with 0.250" wire to 700 lbs linear force. My calculations reflect I should require...
  4. Arslan Siddique

    Calculation of Velocity and Shear rate in rectangular channel

    Hi everyone, I would like to know the formula for calculation of velocity and shear rate in my rectangular fluid channel. Here are the important values regarding my rectangular channel. W= 2.5 mm, H=3 mm, L=35 mm. Fluid: Diluted Bacterial suspension derived from wastewater. Flow rate: 0.125...
  5. V

    Calculation of pressure variation due to fluid discharge

    Dear all, I have a headache and I need you help, with the following problem. I need to create excel sheet for the calculation (estimate) of the size of the orifice on the orifice plate that will produce a pressure reduction rate in pipeline at 0,5 bar per minute. It is not important to...
  6. V

    A Calculation of the "lightness number" for solar sails

    Hello, In the wikipedia article about solar sails the lightness number is mentioned and the calculation is the characteristic acceleration ac divided by the Sun´s local gravity (distance: 1AU): λ = ac / 5.93 why do they use 5,93 m/s^2 for the sun´s gravity and not 274 m/s^2?
  7. nmsurobert

    Rayleigh Scattering calculation

    I've been trying to find a proof or a paper that goes into calculating why the sky is blue as opposed to the "the sky is blue because of scattering" explanation that all over the internet. I (think) understand the concept but I would like to see some numbers. I'm aware of the I = 1/lambda^4...
  8. H

    Is this calculation for radiation pressure correct?

    I was thinking about how much propulsion you could get out of a solar sail, so I just did a rough calculation: A solar sail 100m*100m in size (10'000m²), with 20grams of weight per m², an additional 100kg for probe and other stuff, so 300kg probe weight. Using the solar constant of 1400W/m²...
  9. Casper Hansen

    Thevenin equivalent (symbolic circuit calculation)

    Homework Statement I have trouble to find the right procedure to transform the circuit below to a thevenin equivalent. I am looking for a symbolic solution a step by step guidance of where to start and how to add/locate all the impedance in series and parallel in order to calculate the sum of Z...
  10. X

    Planetary gearbox speed calculation - Simultaneous equations

    I'm looking to calculate the ratio of a planetary gear train. With the ultimate goal of producing a spreadsheet/calculator to show the state of the gearbox (i.e. all shaft speeds) based on applied constraints. A gear set consists of Ring Gear, Planet Gear, Sun Gear. The sick diagram is the...
  11. K

    PressureDrop/Pressure/Volumetric flow rate calculation (in a Pipe)

    Hello, If I have the following known variables: - P1, Pressure of fluid entering the pipe = 50 psi - L, Length of pipe = 10 in - D, Diameter of pipe = 0.5 in I want to learn how to calculate: - P2, Pressure of fluid at the end of pipe. - Q1, Volumetric flow rate of fluid entering pipe. - Q2...
  12. A

    How Do You Calculate the Counterweight Needed to Balance an L-Shaped Bar?

    I hope this will be an easy one to answer that I could just use a little help with. I have an L shaped bar where 'X' is on a flat surface. The pivot point is the circle. Can someone help me with a formula to calculate the force needed at point 'b' , given a certain force applied at point 'a'...
  13. R

    I 3D coordinates vector calculation

    How do I calculate the resultant of three component vectors set mutually at 60 degrees to each other (not in the same plane)?
  14. M

    Angular speed calculation after an inelastic collision

    Homework Statement A disk [m=0.1 Kg; R=0.1 m] rotates about its center of mass [w=40 rad/s], on a smooth floor. A bar [m=0.1 Kg; lenght=R=0.1 m] moves on the floor with a speed Vb=4 m/s. At one point, the bar hits disk's edge in an inelastic collision, and they start rotating together. A)[Fixed...
  15. qnach

    Nanoantenna calculation using CST

    I want to do nanoantenna calculation using CST. However, there are many project template One for optical filter and resonator The other for Antenna-dielectric resonator I do not know which one should I choose? Could anyone advice me? Thanks.
  16. I

    What is the force generated by a lever in a closed position?

    So.. I'm trying to figure out if a design Idea has any potential. The figure below shows a lever mechanism operated by a rack and pinion gear assembly. I've calculated the torque in the pinion to be 252 Nm. What will be the force at the contact pad, generated by the lever when in the closed...
  17. L

    A Momentum calculation of a rotating rod

    ##\ \ \ \ \ ##Calculate the 4 momentum of a rotating rod. We divide it into 4 parts. The part 1 is the work of predecessors. ##\ \ \ \ \ ##In Special relativity, the motion of rod AB (which is an object in non inertial motion) can be described in an inertial reference frame and the motion of rod...
  18. R

    Error bar calculation (statistics)

    Homework Statement For a project, I am trying to estimate the absorption curve of a certain plant species. Due to the variability within the species, I have taken the average of several measurements. In the figure below, the blue curves represent 3 separate measurements, and the red curve is...
  19. navneet9431

    Calculation of work done by a variable force

    Homework Statement See the explanation of work done by variable forces given in my textbook. For calculation of work done by variable forces the author analyses only a small fraction of displacement "ds". And then he makes **assumption** that the force is acting on the particle at an angle...
  20. barryj

    Calculation about virtual image

    Homework Statement See my attached information Homework Equations On my attached solution The Attempt at a Solution see my attached sheet Please see my attached write up. I would appreciate a quick nudge as stated.
  21. L

    Range calculation for Airbus A320 aircraft

    Homework Statement Hi to all, the Task I struggle with, is the range calculation from an Airbus A320 with the Breguet Range Equation which is defined as: Homework Equations R = (cl/cd) * (V/(g*SFC)) * ln(w0/w1) with V = velocity g = gravity SFC = specific fuel consumption w0 =...
  22. I

    Force Calculation -- Hydraulic cylinder and a rotating arm

    Hi There, Long time reader, first time poster.. I hope someone out there can help me. I'm designing an add-on to an existing piece of equipment and I'm unsure of how to calculate the resultant force output from a hydraulic cylinder. On a straight push, the chosen hydraulic cylinder has an...
  23. Jan Berkhout

    How do I do this trigonometry vector calculation?

    Homework Statement A pilot wishes to fly at maximum speed due north. The plane can fly at 100km/h in still air. A 30km/h wind blows from the south-east. Calculate: a) The direction the plane must head to fly north. b) Its speed relative to the ground. Homework Equations Sine Rule...
  24. U

    Calculation of Change in Magnetic Flux Linkage Across a Wire

    Homework Statement A straight wire of length 0.20m moves at a steady speed of 3.0m/s at right angles to a magnetic filed of flux density 0.10T. Use Faraday's law to determine the e.m.f. induced across the ends of a wire. Homework Equations E= Nd Φ/dt but N=1 so E= dΦ/dt The Attempt at a...
  25. R

    Calculation of absorption spectra

    I am trying to plot the absorption curve of a given sample using some spectrophotometric data. The data that I've collected are transmittance ##T## and reflectance ##R## – the ratios of transmitted and reflected light power to incident light power. However, using two different methods I got two...
  26. P

    Electrical About a load calculation -- Roller selection for a plate straightining maching

    i am making a plate straightining maching for 25x2100 mm plate. motor- 30 hp and 960 rpm worm reduction gear box- 100:1 Please tell me about the selection of roller by which i can straight the plate, and gear also.. if center distance between gear is 280 mm
  27. A

    Quick clamp wedge/friction lock calculation

    I am currently working on designing a linear brake/lock for a completely different purpose but it will be based on the same principle as in a quick clamp shown below. Before building a prototype I do want to make some rough calculations to check dimensions, angles etc. etc. However, I am for...
  28. M

    Engineering Voltmeter and ammeter calculation in a circuit

    Homework Statement [/B] Hello, basically I have some tasks about calculating the reading of voltmeter and ammeter in a circuit, I can solve these with simpler circuits, where voltmeter is reading a few elements, but as in the ones below, I'm not sure where to begin and what to add into the...
  29. V

    Automotive Calculation of the efficiency of an engine

    We know efficiency (η) = Woutput/Winput Now in any cycle, for instance, the Otto cycle, let the total work output be WO, total heat added be WH & the total work done on the gas to compress it be WC. Then, will efficiency be equal to (η) = (WO-WC)/WH ? Or will it be equal to (η) = WO/(WH+WC) ?
  30. S

    I How to Calculate Power of a Turning Shaft?

    Hello, can someone tell me how, or provide me a formula, to calculate the power of the turning shaft? in Nm or Watts, I don't mind. The mass (23Kgr) is turning at stable speed of 100 rpm by external independent force. The shaft is supposed to be on bearings both sides.. I made a picture to save...
  31. M

    How can I calculate the Reynolds number if the particle velocity is unknown?

    Hello, The particle Reynolds number makes me confused, and I hope someone can help me with this, please! Reynolds number is calculated by Re = ρfUD/μ where U is particle velocity, D can be particle diameter, and ρf and μ are density and viscosity of the continuous fluid. How I can Reynolds...
  32. B

    Flywheel Inverted pendulum torque calculation

    Hey all, I started building my own flywheel inverted pendulum (i'm using a standard PID controller for the balancing). I came across many articles regarding the differential equation of the pendulum. Most article develop the motion equation using the Euler–Lagrange, few chose the Newtonian way...
  33. Callum Plunkett

    Percentage second harmonic distortion calculation?

    A voltage amplifier ideally should have the input-output relationship of V₀ = 100vi but in practice the relationship is V₀ = Vi (98 + 2Vi). Calculate the %age second harmonic distortion presents in the amplifiers output for a sinusoidal input of 10mV r.m.s. Hi everyone! Can anyone please...
  34. srm

    Calculation of the weight of an insect floating by surface tension

    Homework Statement The surface of a liquid is just able to support the weight of a six-legged insect. The leg ends can be assumed to be spheres each of radius 3.2 × 10−5 m and the weight of the insect is distributed equally over the six legs. The coefficient of surface tension in this case is...
  35. Z

    Flow rate calculation of hydrogen gas in case of leak

    Hi. I'm a mechanical engineer, but working as Safety Engineer. I have a question how to calculate the flow rate of hydrogen gas before a flow controller in case of leak through a 4.5 mm line at 35 bar pressure. Thanks in advance.
  36. Adem

    Calculating Coefficient of Friction with Practical Investigation Results

    So I've done a practical investigation. Pretty much I used a elastic band to launch a puck on a horizontal floor. I have measured the extension and force for the elastic band, and the extension and stopping distance for the puck on two different surfaces. How do I calculate the coefficient of...
  37. W

    Beam calculation with 3 unknowns

    Homework Statement A 5m metal beam is supported on 2 supports. The beam is 30kg and the man is 65kg. The man stands at A, to prevent the beam tipping extra weights have been placed at B. Find reaction forces and the weights that have been placed at B. Take acceleration due to gravity to be...
  38. Phil31

    Temperature and Pressure Calculation

    Hi there, New to the forum. I decided to come here as I am currently working on a formula that will give me the resulting pressure as a result of an increase in temperature within fixed volume. I have used Charles Law and Boyles law and combined them in a way that gives me this increase...
  39. Nouki

    I Calculate SRIM Layer Width Using Mica & Dry Air

    Hello, I'm trying to calculate the width of a layer using SRIM. I have one layer with dry air and one with mica. I know the width of air and the ranges of a-particles shown in the photo...
  40. lc99

    How Do Spring Length Calculations Relate to Frequency and Harmonics?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations v = sqrt(F/(m/L)) The Attempt at a Solution Trying to find the length of the spring. But i can find the tension of the wire at all. I'm not sure what i can do with the frequencies? Maybe I'm forgetting a concept cause i thought the equation v^2/F = L...
  41. A

    Calculation for finding distance with regard to sound intensity

    Homework Statement Two amplifiers can be used to power a sound system. Amplifier 1: Has a fixed power output of 300 W. Amplifier 2: Has a variable power output of between 15 W and 175 W. You may assume that the power output of the amplifier is equal to the power of the sound waves that are...
  42. K

    Relativistic calculation of speed when the momentum is known

    Homework Statement We know the momentum of an electron, which is: 1,48*10^-21. Momentum is m*v (mass*speed) If we divide the momentum by the mass of the electron to find electron's speed, it'll give a value where v> 3*10^8 m/s. Since speed can't be above speed of light, we have to calculate...
  43. D

    Compressed air flowrate calculation

    Hi, I have a airbottle of 30bar pressure, 1000lit.From the airbottle I had made a line of 25 nb and fitted a pressure reducing valve in the line with set pressure 5bar.I am interested to know the flowrate in the line. Please help
  44. J

    BTU Calculation for a fireplace-based heater

    An online seller claimed with an 80 Cubic Feet per Minute blower his output temperature was 350 degrees Fahrenheit from a fireplace heat scavenger. If you assumed his measurements were correct and the room temperature (input) was 70 degrees F. how would you calculate his gain in British Thermal...
  45. D

    Calculating Radiation Dose Rate for Ra-223 at Varying Distances

    I just want to know the formula for the following question: If the dose rate from a sample of Ra-223 was found to be 20 mSv per hour at 10 micrometres, calculate the dose rate at 30 micrometres. Show your calculations. Give your answer to one decimal place. I think it is 20 mSv x 10 micrometres...
  46. H

    I Help with a partition function calculation

    <Re-opening approved by mentor.> Hi, I've always wondered why when calculating the partition function for a quantum system, we only sum over the eigenstates and not superimposed states. Thus I decided to actually try summing over all normalized states and see what would happen. Feedback is...
  47. H

    I Help with partition function calculation

    Hi, would very much appreciate it if I could get some help for something I was trying to calculate. I'm not very good at latex so I've just attached images of my attempt. I would very much appreciate it if you could look over the images I've taken and provide some feedback, thank you. I've been...
  48. lc99

    How to Calculate Moment of a Couple Using Cross Products?

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I am confused. It looks like the couple forces are at a angle pointing to the x axis. So i did moment about a axis of that angle. I found this angle/axis unit vector to be (-0.6i -0.8j) Then i found the moment couple about the x...
  49. T

    Head Calculation of a hot water circulating pump

    Hello, I have the following hot water system. I have a water heater with a pressurized cold water inlet. A re circulation line is taken near the farthest fixture passed through a circulating pump and back to the heater inlet. When calculating pump head, do I calculate pressure drop in the entire...
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