The article presents a good example of minicomputer application to the solution of everyday engineering design problems. The problem is essentially that of evaluating fit joint stress/deformation effects and load transmission capacity. (A fit joint is basically an oversized shaft mated to an undersized hole.) The designer is particularly interested in finding the dimensions that result in an acceptable fit. In solving this simple problem, however, numerous shaft/hub physical dimensions and material structural properties interplay. An interative computational process is involved. The authors, after describing the problem and the shortcomings of the present solution methods, provide the flow diagram of a computer program that they have developed for the solution of this problem.

From a few cases that the authors have analyzed, they conclude that the computer program saves a great deal of tedious work. But more importantly, it eliminates calculation errors that are inherent with existing fit joint selection methods.