Nomograms in the History and Education of Machine Mechanics

Computing formulae and solving equations are essential elements of scientific analysis. While today digital tools almost always applied, analog computing is a rich part the larger history science technology. Graphical methods an integral element still find some use today. This paper presents nomograms, historically-relevant tool for mathematical problems in various branches engineering; particular, we consider their role mechanical engineering, especially education, discuss properties. Each nomogram graphical description specific equation, designed such that solution can be found through simple geometric construction performed with straightedge. By design, using nomograms requires little skills done even adverse environments; sufficient accuracy most purposes then very short time. Another important advantage they offer clear insight on relationships between variables, which lost by looking at complex equation. First introduced late $$19^{\textrm{th}}$$ century, were used engineers scientists due to speed respect manual calculations, before being superseded computers. now mostly obsolete practice, prove useful workshops teaching classes: thus also educational applications present few original examples.