I'm finding more and more that I'm in need of metal properties in my hobbies. Scouring the internet works but when weight vs safety comes into play, a dark cloud hangs in the back of my mind. I'd like to turn my studies to this area but my schedule is booked for the next year and a half for business travel. In the mean time where should i direct my studies? I majored in electrical engineering so I'm a fish out of water with this one. where should i start? I do plan on going back to school with this, I just cant do it right now.

 

Investing in a machinery's handbook should cover what you're looking for and then some. Look around for old copies, they're cheap and for what you need, the information has been around forever.

There are also tables in the back of many college texts that should fit the bill.

Either way, the book will tell you how to apply the numbers you dig up.

 

welcome to HT and thanks for the info I found,

"Machinery's Handbook Toolbox Edition (Hardcover) 2008
by Henry H. Ryffel, Erik Oberg"

online for about $60. thanks for the help, although i am a little intimidated by the 2800 pages.

 

I took Materials Testing classes at my university, but the handbooks will help.

 

Another vote for the machinery handbook, lots of information there.

 

If you're looking for material properties, Matweb is an awesome site.

What exactly are you looking for?

 

I'm working on some suspension for a motorcycle. I'm using parts on a bike that weren't designed for the bike. the suspension linkage is really kicking my ***! I've spent hours trying to figure out a design that is going to work but i'm stuck. i havent given up yet.

part "S" on my frame doesn't exist. I need to figure out where and at what angle to bolt up the connecting rod "SR" one the unfortunate problems that im having is that the Swing Shock Absorber Group (SSAG) that im using was designed for a bike that has a stock weight that's 16% (74lbs) lighter than the one I'm using it on. on the bright side, with all the mods that I've done, I've dropped about 40lbs so far most of which was from the rear of the bike thanks to carbon, 6061 or just removing parts all together.

 

engineering materials, properties and selection. ISBN 0-13-277997-8

you will be stuck with a falling rate using those point (IMO) Can you put the upper shock mount on the frame (you are using a honda with an airshock?)

Those floating shock linkages are challenging. Using a regular motocross style progressive linkage will be much easier.

There is a simple link calculator floating around the internet. I think it was called "link V2" or something like that.

 

First of all I have no idea what that sketch is. I do have a bunch of Engineering books in hand and can help you if you clarify the sketch with more pics. The book that has everything you'll need is
http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Design...s=books&sr=1-1