Utilities

Comando	Caminho
Engineering Properties	Model

The Engineering Properties command automatically calculates the engineering properties of a 2D object.

The Engineering Properties dialog box opens. The data that displays is selection-dependent.

• Plane properties (area, perimeter, and absolute coordinates of the centroid of the object)

• Moments of inertia, section modulus’, and radii of gyration about the object’s centroidal axes

For a single closed surface and a locus point, the moments of inertia and radii of gyration about the axes that pass through the locus are also displayed, as well as the horizontal and vertical distances from the locus to the centroid of the object.

Parameter	Description
Units	Select a unit of measurement for the calculated values
Place locus at centroid	Adds a locus at the centroid of the selected object after closing the Engineering Properties dialog box
Place properties on drawing	Places a list of the properties at the next mouse click after closing the Engineering Properties dialog box
Write properties to a file	Sends the properties to a text file; specify the file name and location after closing the Engineering Properties dialog box

Obtaining Volumetric Properties

Command	Path
Volumetric Properties	Model

The volumetric properties of a 3D object can be obtained with the Volumetric Properties command.

The Volumetric Properties dialog box opens, displaying the surface area, volume, and center of mass of the object.

Parameter	Description
Place locus at center of mass	Places a 3D locus at the center of mass of the object
Place properties on drawing	Places the volumetric properties as text on the drawing at a specified location

3 Set the parameters. If Place locus at center of mass is selected, the 3D locus is placed automatically on the object. If Place properties on drawing is selected, click in the drawing file to specify the location of the text.

Creating 3D Objects from 2D Objects

Command	Path
Create 3D Object from 2D	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

The Create 3D Object from 2D command places a 3D version of a 2D object in a drawing. The command applies to the following 2D objects with 3D counterparts.

* The spur gear, worm gear, sprocket, and pulley convert to a 3D object and 3D hub object.

This command creates the 3D equivalent of a selected 2D object. If a 2D object with no 3D equivalent is selected, a beep sounds, a notice indicates that the object cannot be converted, and the object is deselected.

Spring Calculator

Command	Path
Spring Calculator	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

The Spring Calculator command solves for spring rates and unit stresses based on compression spring parameters.

Parameter	Description
Units	Sets the spring dimension units to Inches, cm, or mm
Method	Select the method; as data is entered, the other dimensions are automatically calculated
Dimensions	The fields available depend upon the Method and the Type of Ends selected
Outside Diameter	Enter the outside diameter
Mean Diameter	Enter the mean diameter
Wire Diameter	Enter the wire diameter
Solid Height	Enter the solid height
No. of Active Coils	Enter the number of active coils
Type of Ends	Select Closed and Ground, Open and Ground, Closed, or Open to set the type of ends on the spring
Properties	The properties of the spring can be selected from the list or manually entered
Material	Select the material to be used for the spring or select <Other> to set the Modulus of Elasticity manually
Mod. of Elasticity	Automatically entered based on the material selected; displayed in pounds per square inch, newtons per square centimeter, or newtons per square millimeter, depending on selected units. If <Other> is selected, enter the Modulus of Elasticity manually.
Spring Rate	Automatically calculated based on the spring parameters; displays in the selected units
Unit Stress	Automatically calculated based on the spring parameters; displays in the selected units
Place 2D spring on drawing	Draws a 2D spring according to the above parameters; if both check boxes are selected, the 2D and 3D springs are automatically aligned in the drawing
Place 3D spring on drawing	Draws a 3D spring according to the above parameters; if both check boxes are selected, the 2D and 3D springs are automatically aligned in the drawing

Belt Length Calculator

The Belt Length Calculator solves for either belt length or center distance between two pulleys.

Command	Path
Belt Length Calculator	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

Parameter	Description
Find	Select whether to calculate the Belt Length or the Center Distance between pulleys
(1) Diameter	Enter the first pitch diameter
(2) Diameter	Enter the second pitch diameter
(3) Center Distance	If calculating the belt length, enter the Center Distance
Belt Length	If calculating the center distance, enter the Belt Length
Place data on drawing	Places the calculated data on the drawing

If the center distance value is unknown, leave the field blank, and then click Solve. The minimum distance is displayed. Click Solve again to solve for the belt length based on the minimum center distance.

Chain Length Calculator

The Chain Length calculator solves for either the length of a chain or center distance between two sprockets.

Command	Path
Chain Length Calculator	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

Parameter	Description
Chain and Sprocket Data
Find	Select whether to calculate the Chain Length or the Center Distance between sprockets
Std. Chain No. (Pitch)	Select the pitch of the chain
(1) Number of Teeth, Sprocket #1	Enter the number of teeth of sprocket #1
(2) Number of Teeth, Sprocket #2	Enter the number of teeth of sprocket #2
(3) Center Distance or Chain Length	If calculating the chain length, enter the Center Distance; if calculating the center distance, enter the Chain Length
Chain Length or Center Distance	Depending on the Find selected, the chain length or center distance calculation is displayed
Placement Options
Place chain on drawing	Inserts the continuous chain onto the drawing, based on the specified and calculated values
Place sprockets on drawing	Inserts the two sprockets onto the drawing based on the specified and calculated value
Group the objects	Groups the objects when inserted onto the drawing; if deselected, the objects are ungrouped when inserted onto the drawing and are editable in the Object Info palette
Place data on drawing	Places the calculated data onto the drawing

The Chain Length value can be entered based on the number of pitches multiplied by the pitch value.

If the center distance value is unknown, leave the field blank, and then click Solve. The minimum distance is displayed. Click Solve again to solve for the chain length based on the minimum center distance.

5 If placement options were selected, the cursor changes to a bull’s eye. Click in the drawing to insert the chain and/or sprockets. If Place data on the drawing is selected, click again to insert the calculated data.

Control Values for Keys

The Control Values for Keys calculator solves for the key depths of a given shaft and the key size.

Command	Path
Control Values for Keys	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

2 Enter the shaft diameter size. Select Recommended Key Size to use the recommended key size according to the ASME or ISO standard; otherwise, select Custom Key Size to enter custom key sizes.

Parameter	Description
Nom. Shaft Diameter (D)	Enter the size of the shaft
Recommended Key Size	Uses the recommended key size according to the ASME or ISO standard
Square	Select to use the recommended square key
Rectangular	Select to use the recommended rectangular key
Key Width (W)/Height (H)	Displays the dimensions of a rectangular key set
Custom Key Size	Uses custom key sizes
Key Width (W)	Enter the custom width of the key
Key Height (H)	Enter the custom height of the key
Solution
Depth to Bottom of Key (S)	Displays the dimension from the bottom of the shaft to the bottom of the key
Depth to Top of Key (T)	Displays the dimension from the bottom of the shaft to the top of the key
Place data on drawing	Places the calculated data on the drawing

Shaft Analysis

The Shaft Analysis utility analyzes the results of a twisting moment being applied to a round solid or hollow shaft.

Command	Path
Shaft Analysis	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

Parameter	Description
Shaft Properties	Enter the shaft properties; the analysis results are based on the properties provided
(1) Outside Diameter	Enter the outside diameter of the shaft; select the desired units from the list
Inside Diameter	Enter the inside diameter of the shaft; enter 0 for a solid shaft
Polar Moment of Inertia	Automatically calculated from the outside and inside diameters
(2) Length	Enter the length of the shaft
Shear Modulus	Enter the value of the shear modulus; select the desired units from the list
Solutions	Select and enter the known value to solve for the other values
(3) Twisting Moment	Enter the twisting moment; select the desired units from the list
Max. Shear Stress	Enter the maximum shear stress; the units are set by the Shear Modulus value
(4) Angle of Twist	Enter the angle of twist in degrees

The unknown values in the Solutions section are solved based on the information given.

Centroid

Command	Path
Centroid	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

The Centroid utility calculates the centroid, or center of gravity, of a 2D shape. The utility shows the location of the centroid and can place a locus at that point. For more information, see Obtendo Propriedades de Engenharia.

3 The location of the centroid is displayed. Select Place locus at centroid to place a locus marker at the centroid of the object.

If the object is moved, the locus point does not remain centroidal unless the object and locus point are grouped and then moved.

Conversion Factors

Command	Path
Conversion Factors	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

2 In the Multiply field, enter the number of units to convert. Select the original unit of measure from the Multiply list.

3 Select the target unit of measure from the To Obtain list. The conversion results display in the To Obtain field and the conversion factor displays in the By field.

Solution of Triangles

Command	Path
Solution of Triangles	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

2 Select the format of the known values, and then enter them in the fields below.

3D Properties

The 3D Properties utility calculates a 3D object’s center of mass, radii of gyration, and mass properties based on density or specific gravity, surface area, and volume. This can be used for 3D objects such as a sweep, extrude, or solid.

The 3D Properties dialog box displays the object surface area, volume, radii of gyration, and center of mass.

Command	Path
3D Properties	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

Parameter	Description
Units	Select the unit for displaying values
Places locus at center of mass	Places a locus point at the 3D center of mass of the object
Place properties on drawing	Places a grouped text block containing the 3D property values on the drawing at the next mouse click
Write properties to a file	Creates a text file containing the 3D property values

The Mass Properties dialog box displays the weight, mass, and mass moments of inertia of the object.

Parameter	Description
Input
System of Units	Select the units to use for the calculation
Property to Use	Select whether to display properties based on the density or specific gravity
Value	Enter the material density or specific gravity value

Simple Beam

Command	Path
Simple Beam	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

This example shows how the Simple Beam commands can be used to find the stresses on the horizontal elements of a certain machine part.

2 Select Use document template, and choose the Simple Beam (Imperial) or Simple Beam (Metric).sta template.

For version 2019 and later, the required .sta files are located here: Libraries/Objects - Miscellaneous_Entourage/Machine Design/Templates/ Copy the template file you need into the Libraries\Defaults\Standards folder.

To obtain the section modulus and moment of inertia of the tubing, select a tubing shape from the Resource Manager and place an instance of it on the drawing. Convert the tubing to a group and then use the Engineering Properties command to obtain the properties. For more information on the Engineering Properties command, see Obtendo Propriedades de Engenharia.

10 In the Simple Beam dialog box, click Calculate Reactions, and then click Calculate Stresses and Deflection, and then click OK.

A simple beam diagram is created based on the information provided. See Simple Beam for more information on what is depicted in the diagram.

Simple Beam Analysis

Command	Path
Simple Beam Analysis	• Architect: AEC > Machine Design • Landmark: Landmark > Machine Design • Spotlight: Spotlight > Machine Design

The Simple Beam Analysis command opens a message box displaying the calculated values that correspond to the cursor position.

A message dialog box opens at the bottom of the screen, displaying x (location on the beam), vx (shear), mx (bending moment), sx (shearing stress), and y (deflection) values.

The values displayed depend on the location of the cursor along the beam and the Calculation Interval specified in the Beam Properties dialog box.

3 Click a blank area of the drawing to stop the analysis. Close the message dialog box.

To lock the values in the message dialog box, click a point along the beam. The values at this point can then be studied or written down for future analysis. Select the Simple Beam Analysis command again to continue checking values along the beam.

Simple Beam Calculator

Command	Path
Simple Beam Calculator	• Architect: AEC > Framing • Landmark: Landmark > Architectural • Spotlight: Spotlight > Architectural

The Simple Beam Calculator command is available to be added to any Vectorworks Design Series workspace. It provides a quick way to analyze a simply-supported beam with a single load.

Parameter	Description
Configuration	Select the simple beam configuration to analyze; the preview window updates to correspond to the selected configuration
Input
Units	Select Imperial or Metric (SI) as the displayed unit value
Beam and Load Data	Select Imperial or Metric (SI) as the displayed unit value
Beam Length (L)	Enter the length of the beam
Concentrated Load (P)	Enter the value of a concentrated load or loads
Dist. from end of beam (a)	Enter the distance from the end of the beam to the load
Distributed Load (w)	Enter the value per unit length of a distributed load
Beam Properties
Modulus of Elasticity	Enter the modulus of elasticity of the beam
Moment of Inertia	Enter the moment of inertia of the beam
Section Modulus	Enter the section modulus of the beam
Select Structural Shape and Material	Opens the Select Structural Shape and Material dialog box for selection of a structural shape, series, size, and material for the beam and axis about which the properties are needed (see Structural Shapes and Details). The beam properties section is updated with these values for the selected structural shape, and the fields can be manually adjusted.
Solution
Reaction at Left End (rL)	Displays the reaction at the left support
Reaction at Right End (rR)	Displays the reaction at the right support
Moment at Left End (mL)	Displays the bending moment at the left support
Moment at Right End (mR)	Displays the bending moment at the right support
Max. Shear (vMax)	Displays the maximum vertical shear
Max. Bending Moment (mMax)	Displays the maximum bending moment
Max. Shear Stress	Displays the maximum shear stress
Max. Deflection	Displays the maximum deflection
at x (from left end)	Displays the point from the left end of the beam at which the maximum deflection occurs

Acorn nut (Inch)	Lock washer (Inch, Metric, DIN, ISO)	Spur gear *
Angle (AISC Inch and Metric, BSI, JIS, ANZ, DIN)	Needle bearing	Spur gear rack
Ball bearing	Nut (Inch, Metric, DIN, ISO)	Square tubing (AISC Inch and Metric, BSI, JIS, ANZ, DIN)
Bearing lock nut	Parallel pin (DIN)	Swing bolt
Bevel gears	Pillow block bearing	Swing eye bolt
Bulb flat (BSI, JIS, DIN)	Plain washer (Inch, Metric, DIN, ISO)	Taper pin (Inch, DIN)
Carriage bolt (Inch, Metric)	Pulley *	Tapered roller bearing
Channel (AISC Inch and Metric, JIS, ANZ, DIN)	Rectangular tubing (AISC Inch and Metric, BSI, JIS, ANZ, DIN)	T-bolt
Clevis pin (Inch, Metric, DIN, ISO)	Retaining ring (Inch, DIN)	Tee (AISC Inch and Metric, BSI, JIS, DIN)
Compression spring - 1 and 2	Retaining washer (DIN)	Thrust bearing
Conical compression spring	Rivet - large (Inch)	Thumb screw (Inch)
Cotter pin (Inch)	Rivet - small (Inch)	Torsion spring - Front, End
Die spring	Rivet (DIN)	Tubular rivet (DIN)
Dowel pin (Inch)	Roller bearing	U-bolt
Extension spring - Front, End	Roller chain - circular	Wide flange (AISC Inch and Metric, BSI, JIS, ANZ, DIN)
Eye bolt	Roller chain - linear	Wing nut (DIN)
Flanged bearing - 2 and 4 hole	Roller chain - offset link	Wing nut type A, B, C, D (Inch)
Hole - drilled	Round tubing (AISC Inch and Metric, BSI, JIS, ANZ, DIN)	Woodruff key
Hole - tapped (Inch, Metric)	Screw and nut (Inch, Metric, DIN, ISO)	Wood screw
I-Beam (AISC Inch and Metric, BSI, JIS, ANZ, DIN)	Set screw (Inch, Metric, DIN, ISO)	Worm
J-Bolt (Inch, Metric)	Shaft	Worm gear *
Key	Sheet metal screw (Inch, Metric)	Z-Section
Knurled thumb nut (Inch, DIN)	Shoulder screw (Inch, Metric, DIN, ISO)
Lag screw (Inch, Metric)	Sprocket *

Utilitários de Cálculo e Análise

Obtendo Propriedades de Engenharia