At Art of Machine Design we have a protocol of thoroughly testing our software. Every time the software is compiled an array of testing protocols are automatically verified against known solutions. By the time a specific calculator is released we have run the software internally throughout all of the permutations at least once.
We encourage users to contact us regarding any issues or bugs they think may be occurring. Our work is fully transparent since we provide the reference books, and equations directly on our platform. The release of every calculator includes the generation of an internal detailed step by step report that we used to verify the analysis thoroughly.
Art of Machine Design is young company we always take feedback, advice, and bug reports extremely seriously so that the platform is as accurate as possible.
If a bug comes to our attention our protocol for resolving is: confirm origin of bug, document the change in internal reports, perform testing, and deploy to the platform. Since our platform is 100% cloud based, all users get automatically the most up to date version of the analysis platform immediately.
Quick Answer: No.
All of the analysis is performed in SI units. The platform accepts non-SI units, which it immediately converts to SI. The user can modify the units of the entries and the results by simply clicking on the unit and a modal will be launched.
The payment interface is done via Stripe. Art of Machine Design does not keep or store
any credit card information.
Yes. Art of Machine Design follows standard subscription protocols. Subscriptions are month to month or year to year. You can cancel at any time. There are no fees associated with cancelling your account. If you decide to cancel your subscription, you will still have access to the software for the period that you already paid for. Afterwards your account will automatically be demoted to the Guest (Free) Plan.
The process for validating a calculator for release is consists of generating an internal report (1), and comparing to external sources (2). Additionally,
we implement an calculation external audit (3) for each released calculator to mitigate against any accidental changes to the calculation after release. Just for
fun we run examples found in engineering books (4).
1 - Comprehensive Internal Report:
At the completion of the user interface and analysis, a comprehensive internal report is created directly on the platform. Our internal report goes step by step
in the analysis process. The report includes equations that are verified with the numbers entered on the platform.
2 - Comparables:
We compare the result values to external sources. For example the equations for the geometric cross sections are
validated by drawing the shape in SolidWorks and comparing cross sectional properties. For more complex analysis we may compare against multiple external references.
The Hertz contact analysis was compared to four different sources. One of the free online calculators (those with ads) generated a different result for depth of max shear.
We thus performed significant research to find the source for the difference. Eventually we resolved the discrepancy using technical textbooks that we can reference.
No reference. No Release. If we can not provide a reference to a book we do not release that particular result.
3 - Generating Self Tests:
To mitigate against changes to the calculation after release a series of self tests are written. The self-test are external to the analysis and
are executed every time the platform is recompiled. Each calculator can have one or more self tests. Every self test of released calculators must pass in order to
deploy.
4 - Run Examples found in Books.
At the completion of steps one to three, any examples in the referenced books may be tested using the platform. Units can be changed directly on the platform to compare
with the book examples in their native units.
We strive for perfection and have a protocol to catch glitches. However, in the unlikely event that some silly glitch sneaked pass our Cerberus protocol we want you to report it to us. By emailing Art of Machine Design with the following details:
Based on the information provided, we determine if the the glitch is in one of three categories: visual, calculation, or process.
Response:
After categorizing the glitch we proceed with an investigation, and will take necessary measures to correct any glitches found.
We have three steps in the investigation process:
To start we do a quick investigation of the claim, ensuring that results are those expected per the self-testing scripts and our documentation. In the event, the claim is about understanding the concepts the user will be referred to textbook references.
Assessment:If the Quick Review suggests that there could be a glitch in the code, that equation and associated calculator may be taken offline until the investigation is complete and a resolution provided.
Resolution:In the rare instance that we confirm a glitch in the code after release, the code is updated and redeployed. The self-tests used for the release of that specific equation is quarantined (deprecated code section) and a new set self tests are written.