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Explore typical use cases and workflows for Calcs Builder templates. These examples demonstrate how to structure calculations for different engineering applications.

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Structural Engineering Workflows

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Beam Design Workflow

Purpose: Design and analyze structural beams for various loading conditions. Typical Steps:
  1. Input Geometry - Beam dimensions and span
  2. Define Loads - Dead, live, and environmental loads
  3. Calculate Reactions - Support forces and moments
  4. Check Capacity - Compare demand vs. capacity
  5. Optimize Design - Adjust dimensions for efficiency
Key Widgets:
  • Number inputs for dimensions and loads
  • Lookup widgets for material properties
  • Equation widgets for analysis results
  • Conditional formatting for pass/fail checks
Example Template: Simple Beam Calculator

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Column Design Workflow

Purpose: Design structural columns for axial and bending loads. Typical Steps:
  1. Input Loads - Axial force and moments
  2. Select Section - Choose from standard sections
  3. Calculate Capacity - Axial and bending capacity
  4. Check Interaction - Combined axial and bending
  5. Verify Slenderness - Check buckling requirements
Key Features:
  • Section lookup databases
  • Interaction equation checks
  • Slenderness ratio calculations
  • Design optimization tools

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Foundation Design Workflow

Purpose: Design footings and foundations for structural loads. Typical Steps:
  1. Input Loads - Column loads and soil conditions
  2. Size Footing - Calculate required area
  3. Check Bearing - Verify soil bearing capacity
  4. Design Reinforcement - Calculate required steel
  5. Check Settlement - Estimate foundation settlement
Key Widgets:
  • Soil property lookups
  • Bearing capacity calculations
  • Reinforcement design tools
  • Settlement analysis

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Mechanical Engineering Workflows

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Stress Analysis Workflow

Purpose: Analyze mechanical components for stress and deformation. Typical Steps:
  1. Input Geometry - Component dimensions
  2. Define Loads - Forces, moments, and pressures
  3. Calculate Stresses - Normal, shear, and von Mises stresses
  4. Check Safety - Compare to material strength
  5. Optimize Design - Reduce weight while maintaining safety
Key Features:
  • Stress concentration factors
  • Fatigue analysis tools
  • Material property databases
  • Safety factor calculations

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Thermal Analysis Workflow

Purpose: Analyze heat transfer and thermal effects in components. Typical Steps:
  1. Input Thermal Properties - Conductivity, specific heat
  2. Define Boundary Conditions - Temperatures and heat fluxes
  3. Calculate Heat Transfer - Conduction, convection, radiation
  4. Check Temperature Limits - Verify operating temperatures
  5. Design Cooling Systems - Optimize thermal management
Key Widgets:
  • Thermal property lookups
  • Heat transfer calculations
  • Temperature distribution analysis
  • Cooling system design tools

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Civil Engineering Workflows

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Road Design Workflow

Purpose: Design roadways and transportation infrastructure. Typical Steps:
  1. Input Traffic Data - Volume, speed, and vehicle types
  2. Define Geometry - Horizontal and vertical alignment
  3. Calculate Capacity - Determine lane requirements
  4. Design Pavement - Thickness and material selection
  5. Check Drainage - Ensure proper water management
Key Features:
  • Traffic analysis tools
  • Geometric design standards
  • Pavement design methods
  • Drainage calculations

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Water Resources Workflow

Purpose: Design water supply and wastewater systems. Typical Steps:
  1. Input Demand - Water consumption patterns
  2. Size Pipes - Calculate required diameters
  3. Check Pressures - Verify adequate pressure
  4. Design Pumping - Size pumps and storage
  5. Analyze Quality - Ensure water quality standards
Key Widgets:
  • Flow rate calculations
  • Pipe sizing tools
  • Pump selection databases
  • Water quality analysis

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Custom Application Workflows

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Industry-Specific Calculations

Purpose: Create specialized calculations for specific industries. Examples:
  • Mining: Equipment sizing and capacity analysis
  • Aerospace: Weight and balance calculations
  • Marine: Hull design and stability analysis
  • Energy: Power system design and efficiency
Key Features:
  • Industry-specific databases
  • Specialized calculation methods
  • Regulatory compliance checks
  • Custom reporting formats

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Educational Tools

Purpose: Create interactive learning tools for engineering education. Examples:
  • Statics: Force analysis and equilibrium
  • Dynamics: Motion and vibration analysis
  • Materials: Stress-strain relationships
  • Fluids: Flow and pressure calculations
Key Features:
  • Interactive diagrams
  • Step-by-step solutions
  • Educational explanations
  • Practice problems

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Workflow Best Practices

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Template Organization

  1. Logical Flow - Organize inputs, calculations, and outputs logically
  2. Clear Sections - Use sections to group related content
  3. Progressive Disclosure - Show basic options first, advanced options later
  4. Consistent Naming - Use clear, descriptive variable names

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User Experience

  1. Default Values - Provide reasonable default inputs
  2. Validation - Check inputs and provide helpful error messages
  3. Visual Feedback - Use colors and formatting to highlight results
  4. Instructions - Include clear guidance and examples

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Calculation Structure

  1. Modular Design - Break complex calculations into steps
  2. Intermediate Results - Show key intermediate calculations
  3. Error Handling - Gracefully handle edge cases and errors
  4. Documentation - Include assumptions and references

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Output and Reporting

  1. Summary Results - Provide clear, actionable results
  2. Professional Formatting - Use consistent styling and layout
  3. Export Options - Support PDF and other export formats
  4. Version Control - Track changes and maintain history

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Template Examples

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Simple Calculator

  • Purpose: Basic calculations with minimal inputs
  • Structure: Input → Calculate → Result
  • Use Case: Quick checks and estimates

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Comprehensive Analysis

  • Purpose: Detailed analysis with multiple options
  • Structure: Input → Analysis → Results → Recommendations
  • Use Case: Design verification and optimization

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Design Tool

  • Purpose: Iterative design with optimization
  • Structure: Input → Design → Check → Optimize
  • Use Case: Component design and sizing

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Educational Tool

  • Purpose: Learning and teaching concepts
  • Structure: Concept → Example → Practice → Quiz
  • Use Case: Engineering education and training

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Next Steps

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Explore Templates

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Advanced Workflows

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Custom Development

Ready to create your own workflow? Start with our Quick Start Guide and build upon these examples.
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