Details
There are several considerations when designing an industrial component such as:
• Geometry
• Stress
• Wear
• Corrosion
• Impact/shock resistance
• Friction
• Fatigue
• Thermal conditions/properties
• Stress risers/concentrations
• Safety factor
All these factors play a role in determining the proper shape, size, and grade of a component but the amount of stress involved in an application is typically the most elusive.
Designing initially involves determination of the shape of a part in order to arrive at the proper decision regarding the final size and tolerance of the part followed by attempting to understand the stresses that the part will see under operating conditions. An understanding of these factors then leads to a material recommendation. The amount of stress that the part experiences and the amount of deflection that occurs are key factors in any general design situation.