Math
Flattening Cones
Update: I just updated this frustum calculator with javascript versions that will run from the browser. One will calculate the flattened frustum from the radii, the other uses the circumferences of the frustum shape. Have you ever wanted to lay out the frustum of a cone on a flat surface?” “A what?” “A frustum, the part of a cone that is left when you lop off the top.” “Oh, yeah. If I had a nickel… sadly, I’m still poor....Math Tools
(Good) Math Links
Ever wish you were better at math? Me too. I’ve been teaching myself calculus and stumbled on Better Explained, a blog with excellent math explanations. The author’s aim is to make math concepts intuitive. Now I actually understand what the imaginary number ‘i’ is all about; it wasn’t hard at all. Sure most people think math is boring, but that’s because they probably don’t really “get” it. Don’t worry, it’s not your fault you don’t enjoy math....Math
Roll Bender Forces Chart
How much force does it take to bend 3”x16ga box tube to a 5’ radius in one pass? What’s the largest steel shape you can jam in a typical scene shop-built manual roll bender without cracking a roller? A week ago I didn’t know the answer to either one of these questions, now I’ve got a pretty good idea. We’re talking about making a roll bender at work, and are waffling over whether to build a manual or motorized bender....Math