Computer Programs for Engineers; Part I

The high cost of developing computer programs limits the usage of computers. While large main frame computers have libraries of frequently used mathematical and engineering programs, the users of small computers have to write most of the programs themselves, costing time and money. The object of this paper, the first in a series, is to provide programs useful for automotive engineers. Each of the programs are written in three languages: BASIC (standard), FORTRAN 77 and PL/1, and kept short to allow hand entry without much inconvenience.

Within the scope of this paper the following topics are discussed:

• least square method to determine the best fit curve
• the calculation of mean, variance, standard deviation, confidence limit
• calculation aid to design a shaft subjected to both bending and torsion.
• the calculation of the centroid and second moment of inertia for rectangular, “T” and “I” shapes
• sorting of data