856. Two Examples of Solving Mass Proerties Problems with a Programmable Printing Desk Computer (OR “”How to Prevent Ulcers with

Paper

Abstract

Requests for mass properties data from in-house technical groups – performance, stability and control, dynamics, and others – are traditionally of the we-need-it-yesterday type. Here-to-fore the only options open to the weights engineer were (1) to scoff at the requested schedule with the hope that this might help give the offending requester a better grasp on reality with regard to time required for such data or (2) go balls-out, sacrificing care and accuracy, (and even then likely being ‘late’ with the data.) The state-of-the-art in desk calculators and computers has reached a level such that, often a third and happier option is possible. In the experience of the author, several types of data have been found to be suitable for rapid treatment by desk computer – specifica1ly the Olivetti 101. The handling of two such types of data will be described in this paper. These are, namely: (1) plot point data for mission fuel-burn CG vs gross weight plots reflecting several wing sweeps and (2) three axis moment of inertia data. Sample problems will be used to demonstrate the method and capabilities of this type of data manipulation, the inputs required, the output format, and finally, the Olivetti programs which are general enough to be of use to other engineers without modification. Nothing earth-shaking is developed in this paper but it is at a level to help encourage some into using the desk computer who might otherwise be unaware or overawed.