Optimizing equations - Mathcad 14

[DanSanz]

Hello,
I am looking for help with a optimization routine that will replace the trial and error method I normally use.
I am trying to find the least number of panels for a given length (L) and gap (G). The panel width (x) also needs to be less than a specified width .

Thank you.

 

[Agent666]

Isn't it as simple as taking total width = nx + (n-1)gap

Take initial 'n' number of panels guess as total width /(y + gap) rounded up to nearest whole number. This will always ensure you are slightly less than y width because you're counting an extra gap in doing this. Provided the gap is small compared to panel width this will be correct.

Then solve 1st equation for actual 'x' width of individual panels? Compare to ensure x<y.

If gap is large relative to panel width then compare n+1 panels and see if it results in an extra panel being able to satisfy x<y.

Probably a more elegant way to do it, but it's a fairly simple linear system.

 

[Agent666]

Actually you could take (total width + gap) /(Y + gap) and round up. Even simplier!

 

[IRstuff]

something like this?

https://files.engineering.com/getfile.aspx?folder=12b4281a-b991-42db-88c8-4de6c2340868&file=gap.xmcd

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

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[DanSanz]

Thanks everyone for the assistance. It was very helpful.
Here is an example of my version.