Ray Tools: Vector

Solving Vector problems is straightforward but can become complicated without much effort.

This simulator is designed to help simplify your calculations in an easy to use format. Many times you may not know exactly what the X and Y start points are or the X and Y finish points. Our program starts with a random vector design in which you can adjust the variables and see what happens. As the user changes the number X and Y start points or the X and Y finish points the graphics change to show the relative size and location of the vector. The “Solve for Button” lets the user work in Polar or Rectangular notation. Polar may be used to solve for Vector Length and Angle and Rectangular for solving for Vector X and Y finish points. A help screen and glossary screen are provided to help in defining the terms used. Formulae are also provided for those that need more detail or want to do further calculations on their own. The program calculates instantaneously as the user changes the input values by small increments. This helps to understand how the Equations work.

All values change as the user inputs them. Changes may be input either by keyboard or UP/DN adjusters. When you are done simply Email the design results to your home base to be opened in any text editor or spreadsheet. The program warns for division by zero and sets a value to near zero if an input should not be set to zero. This program is a must for students and engineers. It makes the complex understandable. This program is simply the best Vector Design Simulator.

Features:
- Updates as You Edit
- Number Pad Digital Entry
- Division by Zero warning
- Solves for Polar or Rectangular Notation
- Calculates Length Angle and X and Y finish points.
- Shows a graphical representation of the vector that updates as the calculations change.
- Shows Formulae used in calculations.
- Help Screen, Glossary, Email Results.

Example: Set the X an Y start points to 0. (Later try adjusting these to see how the vector changes position on the screen.) Set the X and Y finish points to some random number say X finish = 6 and Y finish = 6. The calculation shows a length of 8.485 and an angle of 45 degrees.

Try changing the Solve For button to Rectangular. Then use the adjuster buttons to change the angle. Note how the screen displays the position of the vector showing the Finish point of the vector by a blue circle. The program then continuously calculates the end or x an Y finish points. Try changing the X and Y start points and watch the screen update the position. Changing the length changes the scaling of the screen showing the end point scaling of the graph.

Try using the Solve For: selector to solve for Polar or Rectangular Notation. Also metric units can be selected. This program seems theoretical but can be used to simplify things like determining the length of a roof rafter or the length of a sign support. Angles over 90 degrees are sometimes confusing and this program helps to understand the relationships.

As with all complicated programs this program should be used for reference and learning and the user assumes responsibility for verification, use and application.