DimensionEngine

What Is DimensionEngine

DimensionEngine is a calculator that performs calculations using dimensional units, automatically converting them correctly within equations, outputting answers in user-selected default or explicit units, and indicating when inconsistencies are present in your calculations so that errors can be identified and corrected.

DimensionEngine was created so that engineering and physics problems would not have to be "solved by hand". DimensionEngine does this work for you, so that the only way for an error to occur is to enter the wrong initial values or use the wrong equation. Everything else - all unit conversion, verification of dimensional consistency, and, of course, the actual computations - are handled by the computer. We wanted to make it as easy as possible to use and as hard as possible to make a mistake. DimensionEngine:

• Is free for anyone with access to the Internet.
• Is easy to use, with as little typing as possible.
• Its syntax is as close to real world syntax as possible, both for math and units.
• All input and output uses ASCII text, so you can easily save and exchange your work.
• All equations are clearly visible, so you can easily check your work and debug it
• The computer does all conversions and calculations, and catches and reports errors and dimensional inconsistencies.
• When errors occur, it is fast and easy to go to the original input text, fix the errors, and re-submit the calculation, and get the correct answer.

Normal Calculator

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers.
• Assign variables.
• Math functions included.

STEPS

• Enter calculations under the Input tab.
  

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.
  

Convert Units

• Semicolons indicate unit conversion.
• Each line is a separate conversion.
• Use two or more semicolons for multiple conversions.

STEPS

• Enter one or more conversion under the Input tab.
  

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.
  

Avoid Conversion Errors

• Eliminate mistakes.

STEPS

• Enter your work under the Input. tab
  

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.
  

Dimensional Equations and Variables

• Enter formulas using explicit dimensional quantities or variables.
• Semicolons list results in desired units.

STEPS

• Define variables and equations under the Input tab.
  

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.
  

Pounds: Mass vs Force

• lbm is pound mass
• lb and lbf are pound force (i.e., "weight").

STEPS

• Enter pound conversion under the Input tab.
  

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.
  

Temperature

• Correctly handle temperature and relative temperature.

STEPS

• Define temperature and relative temperature under the Input tab.
  

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.
  

Function Library

• An extensive library of mathematical functions included.

STEPS

• Enter formulas under the Input tab.
  

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.
  

Default Output Units

• MKS = meter - kilogram - second
• cgs = centimeter - gram - second
• FPS = foot - pound - second
• IPS = inch - pound - second

STEPS

• Enter formulas under the Input tab.
  

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.
  

Three Dimensional Vectors

• Square brackets define vectors.

STEPS

• Enter vectors with brackets under the Input tab.
  

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.
  

Vector Functions

• Standard vector functions mag, cross, dot, etc.

STEPS

• Define and use vectors under the Input tab.
  

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.
  

Define Your Own Units

• Define your own units using DefUnits

STEPS

• Below, we define decimeters as dm under the Input tab.

• Submit with or by hitting Shift Enter.
• Results appear under Output tab.
• Errors? Edit Input and re-submit.