- - - -- =- =- .

SECTION .
1 5

Redesigning by Means of
Equivalent Sections

1. THE EQUIVALENT - SECTIONS CONCEPT valent Tables since each applies to only a specific
type of design problem . They eliminate most or all
Although is preferable in most cases to de
it
direct mathematical calculations and enable the
sign a machinethe basis of calculated loading , at
on
user to find graphically actual dimensions of the
times an engineer desires to convert from a casting
steel member . However , they tend to restrict the
or a forging to fabricated steel in the simplest way
designer to the existent casting ' s configuration .
possible .
The Lincoln I Rule supplements the Equivalent
The Equivalent Sections concept is aimed at this
Tables in simplifying the solution of rigidity designs .
direct conversion from one material to another .
Possibly a single member or assembly will be rede It is especially helpful in finding the moment of
signed for steel and must be functional within an inertia ( I ) of the original casting cross - section . See
Sec . 2. 3 for a more detailed description on the use
over - all machine design still based on cast iron . Or, of this I rule .
the decision may be to lean heavily on the plant ' s
casting experience and pretty much duplicate the Application of each of these three design aids is
original machine in steel rather than go into stress discussed in the following paragraphs , using actual
analysis . Or, the need may be to convert from one design problems for illustration .
steel design to another in order to take advantage of
new manufacturing techniques . 2 . USE OF EQUIVALENT TABLES

The basic 3 - step approach to converting a cast Here again are the basic 3 steps to converting a
ing into a steel weldment by means of equivalent casting into a steel weldment by means of equivalent
sections is this : sections :
STEP 1 : Determine the Type of Loading Under STEP 1: Determine the Type of Loading Under the
Requirements of Strength or Rigidity Requirements of Strength or Rigidity for Each
for Each Member . Member
STEP 2: Determine the Critical Property of All parts of a structure must have basic jobs to
this Cast Member do :
STEP 3: Determine the Required Property for 1. Maintain sufficient strength or , in addition ,
the Steel Member rigidity .
Three aids have been developed to simplify an 2 . Withstand loads applied in tension , compres
engineer ' s taking this design approach . They are : sion , bending , or torsion .
1. Tables of Equivalent Strength and Rigidity STEP 2: Determine the Critical Properties of the
Factors Cast Member
2 . Nomographs , for Specific Types of Members The ability of the part to withstand the above
loadings is measured by certain properties of its
3 . The Lincoln I Rule , for Rigidity Problems
cross - section . These are :
The Equivalent Tables were developed from a
simplification of traditional engineering formulas . A = Area of the cross - section
The tables permit the designer to be concerned only I of inertia ,
for

Moment resistance bending

to

=
with an appropriate property of the section . He
Section modulus for flexural strength
doesn ' t have to work directly with design loads which
,
=
S

be the case when using the traditional

of

would Polar moment inertia for resistance

to
,
=
J

formulas . twisting
Nomographs further shorten the design process . Polar section modulus for strength under
,
-
J

In one respect , they are more limited than the Equi torsion
C