Creating a Prototype: Formula & Knowledge for Determining Scale

[javierngkh]

Hi,

I am in the midst of creating a prototype. It is a true model. May I know what are the formulas and knowledge i require to determining the exact scale of my prototype? My model needs to include a working water pump, as well as able to withstand loading.

 

[jedishrfu]

Welcome to PF!

Is this a project for school? if so what grade level? What kind of model are you planning to develop?

 

[javierngkh]

Thanks! The level is undergraduate but the product is to be used with real life industry players. It is a water pump. Do I use dimensional analysis?

I am not an engineering student btw.

 

[jedishrfu]

I don't think Dimensional Analysis is relevant here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimensional_analysis

It seems you need to get some CAD software for drawing your model and learn how to use it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_design

Here's a list of 3D modeing tools:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_3D_modeling_software

I've heard a lot of people favor AutoDesk but other posters here may known of some really good free versions.

 

[Danger]

As a side question, will the fluid flow scale proportionally with the size of the model?

 

[dragoneyes001]

yeah in the case of a pump prototype you need to be at a scale it does what you intend it to on the full scale model. which might very well mean full scale depending on the fluids.

oh and autodesk has a student software program so students can use a student version of the software as long as they are registered students and keep the output marked as produced by student version.