Using the Palm Computer to Augment the Design of Machine Elements

This paper discusses the utility of the palm sized computers for augmenting the design of machine elements. Two palm computer programs are presented for handling frequently occurring problems in stress analysis in order to demonstrate the utility of the palm computer in this environment. One of these programs handles the manipulation of a three dimensional state of stress and the other program handles stress concentration factors. These modules facilitate computational processes that would not be possible with a traditional hand-held calculator. These programs are useful for students of machine design and practitioners as well.