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Nomograms: An Old Tool with New Applications

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Explorations in the History and Heritage of Machines and Mechanisms (HMM 2022)

Part of the book series: History of Mechanism and Machine Science ((HMMS,volume 40))

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Abstract

In this paper, we consider the history of nomograms as a computational tool in mechanical engineering, together with their potential applications for teaching purposes, and summarize the mathematical methods used to derive them. Nomograms are graphical descriptions of a mathematical problem, such that the desired solution may be derived through a simple geometric construction, which usually requires nothing more than a straightedge. This way, a reasonably accurate solution to a complex problem can be quickly obtained even in adverse environmental conditions by low-skilled users; moreover, a nomogram can provide immediate insight on the relationship between the variables. Nomograms date back to the 1800s and have been used by engineers for decades, due to their convenience over manual computation, before computers became widespread. While nomograms have now been largely superseded as engineering tools, our analysis shows that they can still have some applications in workshops and for teaching purposes.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    In most nomograms of this type, the lines are vertical, for clarity. Here the lines are horizontal, due to lack of space; the y axis in the drawing plane is parallel to the scales.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Amendola 2, 42122, Reggio Emilia, Italy

    Giovanni Mottola & M. Cocconcelli

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  1. Giovanni Mottola
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  2. M. Cocconcelli
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Correspondence to M. Cocconcelli .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

    Marco Ceccarelli

  2. Department of Mechanic and Mining Engineering, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain

    Rafael López-García

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Mottola, G., Cocconcelli, M. (2022). Nomograms: An Old Tool with New Applications. In: Ceccarelli, M., López-García, R. (eds) Explorations in the History and Heritage of Machines and Mechanisms. HMM 2022. History of Mechanism and Machine Science, vol 40. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98499-1_26

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98499-1_26

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-98499-1

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