Aluminium Section Weight Per Meter Calculator
Easily calculate the weight per meter for various aluminium profiles.
Calculate Aluminium Weight
Square Tube
Rectangular Tube
Equal Angle
Unequal Angle
I-Beam
C-Channel
Solid Bar
Solid Rod
Custom Shape
Select the shape of the aluminium section.
Standard density for Aluminium is 2.7 g/cm³ (or 2700 kg/m³).
Your Results
–.– kg/m
Cross-Sectional Area: –.– cm²
Perimeter: –.– cm
Material Volume (per meter): –.– cm³
Formula: Weight/meter = Cross-Sectional Area (cm²) * Perimeter (cm) * Density (g/cm³) / 1000 (to get kg/m) – This is incorrect.
Corrected Formula: Weight/meter (kg/m) = Cross-Sectional Area (cm²) * Density (g/cm³) * 0.01 (conversion factor for cm to m)
Weight vs. Dimension Analysis
Chart showing weight per meter for varying [Primary Dimension] of [Section Type].
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Section Type | N/A | – |
| Cross-Sectional Area | –.– | cm² |
| Perimeter | –.– | cm |
| Weight per Meter | –.– | kg/m |
| Aluminium Density | –.– | g/cm³ |
What is Aluminium Section Weight Per Meter?
The aluminium section weight per meter refers to the mass of a one-meter length of a specific aluminium profile. Aluminium sections, also known as extrusions, come in a vast array of shapes and sizes, from simple solid bars to complex hollow tubes, angles, beams, and custom-designed profiles. Understanding the weight per meter is crucial for various industries, including construction, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and engineering. It directly impacts material estimation, structural load calculations, transportation logistics, and cost management. Accurate calculation ensures that projects are budgeted correctly, structural integrity is maintained, and handling procedures are appropriate. This metric allows engineers and designers to specify the exact amount of aluminium required, minimizing waste and optimizing material usage.
Who should use it? Professionals such as structural engineers, mechanical designers, architects, procurement specialists, fabricators, and even DIY enthusiasts working with aluminium components will find the aluminium section weight per meter calculator indispensable. It's a fundamental piece of information for anyone needing to quantify aluminium materials for a project. This includes those designing new products, calculating load capacities for supporting structures, ordering raw materials for manufacturing, or estimating shipping costs.
Common misconceptions: A frequent misunderstanding is that all aluminium sections of the same overall dimensions weigh the same. This is incorrect. The internal structure (e.g., hollow vs. solid, wall thickness) significantly affects the cross-sectional area and thus the weight. Another misconception is that density is uniform across all aluminium alloys; while standard aluminium has a density of 2.7 g/cm³, specific alloys might have slight variations. Furthermore, assuming weight per meter is only relevant for large-scale industrial projects ignores its utility in smaller, precise applications where material efficiency is still paramount.
Aluminium Section Weight Per Meter Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The calculation of aluminium section weight per meter is a straightforward application of density and volume principles. The fundamental formula relates mass, density, and volume: Mass = Volume × Density.
To apply this to a specific section per meter, we need to determine the volume of one meter of that section and then multiply it by the density of aluminium.
Here's the step-by-step derivation:
- Calculate the Cross-Sectional Area (A): This is the area of the shape formed if you were to slice the aluminium section perpendicular to its length. This area depends on the specific geometry of the section (e.g., width, height, thickness, diameter). The units used in our calculator are typically square centimeters (cm²).
- Determine the Volume (V) for one meter: Since we want the weight per meter, we consider a length (L) of 1 meter. We must ensure consistent units. If the area (A) is in cm², and we take a length (L) of 100 cm (1 meter), the volume (V) in cubic centimeters (cm³) is:
V (cm³) = A (cm²) × L (cm) = A (cm²) × 100 cm. - Calculate the Mass (M) in grams: Aluminium has a standard density (ρ) of approximately 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). Using the volume calculated in step 2:
M (grams) = V (cm³) × ρ (g/cm³) = (A (cm²) × 100 cm) × ρ (g/cm³). - Convert Mass to Kilograms per Meter (kg/m): Since 1 kilogram (kg) is equal to 1000 grams (g), we divide the mass in grams by 1000 to get the mass in kilograms for that 100 cm (1 meter) length:
Weight per Meter (kg/m) = M (grams) / 1000 = [(A (cm²) × 100 cm) × ρ (g/cm³)] / 1000.
This simplifies to:
Weight per Meter (kg/m) = A (cm²) × ρ (g/cm³) × 0.1
Variable Explanations:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range / Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Cross-Sectional Area of the aluminium section | cm² | Varies widely based on section dimensions |
| L | Length of the section considered | cm | 100 cm (for 1 meter) |
| ρ (rho) | Density of Aluminium | g/cm³ | ~2.7 (can vary slightly by alloy) |
| Weight per Meter | Mass of one linear meter of the aluminium section | kg/m | Calculated value |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let's explore how the aluminium section weight per meter calculator is used in practice:
Example 1: Building a Custom Exhibition Stand
A company is designing a modular exhibition stand. They need to use 6063 aluminium square tubes with outer dimensions of 50mm x 50mm and a wall thickness of 3mm. They need to estimate the total weight of aluminium required for the frame, which uses approximately 25 meters of this tubing.
- Inputs:
- Section Type: Square Tube
- Outer Width (W): 50 mm
- Outer Height (H): 50 mm
- Wall Thickness (t): 3 mm
- Aluminium Density: 2.7 g/cm³
- Calculation Steps (Internal):
- Outer Area = 50 mm * 50 mm = 2500 mm²
- Inner Width = 50 mm – (2 * 3 mm) = 44 mm
- Inner Height = 50 mm – (2 * 3 mm) = 44 mm
- Inner Area = 44 mm * 44 mm = 1936 mm²
- Cross-Sectional Area (A) = Outer Area – Inner Area = 2500 mm² – 1936 mm² = 564 mm²
- Convert Area to cm²: A = 564 mm² / 100 = 5.64 cm²
- Weight per Meter (kg/m) = 5.64 cm² * 2.7 g/cm³ * 0.1 = 1.52 kg/m
- Calculator Output:
- Cross-Sectional Area: 5.64 cm²
- Weight per Meter: 1.52 kg/m
- Financial Interpretation: The frame requires 25 meters of this tubing. Total weight = 1.52 kg/m * 25 m = 38 kg. This weight is essential for logistics (transportation costs, handling equipment) and for engineers verifying the stand's stability and load-bearing capacity.
Example 2: Structural Analysis of an Aluminium I-Beam
An engineer is performing a structural analysis for a component using an aluminium I-beam. The section is a standard I-beam with specific dimensions. They need the weight per meter for load calculations.
- Inputs:
- Section Type: I-Beam
- Overall Height (h): 100 mm
- Flange Width (bf): 50 mm
- Web Thickness (tw): 4 mm
- Flange Thickness (tf): 5 mm
- Aluminium Density: 2.7 g/cm³
- Calculation Steps (Internal):
- Area of two flanges = 2 * (Flange Width * Flange Thickness) = 2 * (50 mm * 5 mm) = 500 mm²
- Height of the web section = Overall Height – (2 * Flange Thickness) = 100 mm – (2 * 5 mm) = 90 mm
- Area of web = Web Height * Web Thickness = 90 mm * 4 mm = 360 mm²
- Cross-Sectional Area (A) = Area of flanges + Area of web = 500 mm² + 360 mm² = 860 mm²
- Convert Area to cm²: A = 860 mm² / 100 = 8.60 cm²
- Weight per Meter (kg/m) = 8.60 cm² * 2.7 g/cm³ * 0.1 = 2.32 kg/m
- Calculator Output:
- Cross-Sectional Area: 8.60 cm²
- Weight per Meter: 2.32 kg/m
- Financial Interpretation: Knowing this weight allows the engineer to accurately calculate dead loads on supporting structures. If they need 10 such beams, each 3 meters long, the total weight is 2.32 kg/m * 10 beams * 3 m/beam = 69.6 kg. This informs material procurement and structural design safety factors.
How to Use This Aluminium Section Weight Per Meter Calculator
Using the aluminium section weight per meter calculator is designed to be simple and intuitive. Follow these steps:
- Select Section Type: From the dropdown menu, choose the specific shape of the aluminium section you are working with (e.g., Square Tube, I-Beam, Angle, etc.).
- Input Dimensions: Based on your selected section type, the calculator will display relevant input fields. Enter the required dimensions accurately. Ensure you are using consistent units, typically millimeters (mm) for dimensions. The calculator will handle the conversion to cm² internally.
- For tubes (square/rectangular): Enter Outer Width, Outer Height, and Wall Thickness.
- For angles (equal/unequal): Enter Leg Lengths and Thickness.
- For beams/channels: Enter Overall Height, Flange Width, Web Thickness, and Flange Thickness.
- For solid bars/rods: Enter Diameter or Width/Height.
- For custom shapes: You'll need to calculate the cross-sectional area manually using other tools or engineering software and input it directly.
- Input Aluminium Density: The default density for aluminium is 2.7 g/cm³, which is standard for most common alloys. If you are using a specific alloy with a known different density, you can update this value. Ensure the unit is g/cm³.
- Click Calculate: Once all inputs are entered, click the "Calculate Weight" button.
How to Read Results:
- Main Result (kg/m): This is the primary output, showing the calculated weight in kilograms for one meter of the aluminium section. This is the most commonly used figure for general estimations.
- Cross-Sectional Area (cm²): This intermediate value shows the area of the aluminium profile's cross-section. It's a key component in the weight calculation and useful for other engineering purposes.
- Perimeter (cm): This value represents the outer boundary length of the cross-section. While not directly used in the simplified weight formula, it can be useful for calculating surface area or other design parameters.
- Material Volume (cm³): This shows the volume of material within a 1-meter length of the section.
- Table Data: The table provides a summary of all inputs and calculated outputs for easy reference and verification.
Decision-Making Guidance: Use the calculated weight per meter to accurately estimate the total material needed for a project, reducing over-ordering and waste. This directly impacts project costs. It's also vital for structural engineers to determine load capacities, design support systems, and ensure safety compliance. For logistics, knowing the weight per meter allows for precise planning of transportation, handling equipment, and storage space.
Key Factors That Affect Aluminium Section Weight Results
While the core calculation is based on geometry and density, several factors can influence the final aluminium section weight per meter and its practical implications:
- Alloy Composition and Density: Although we use a standard density of 2.7 g/cm³, different aluminium alloys (e.g., 6061, 7075) have slightly varying densities due to their specific mix of alloying elements. Using a more precise density for the chosen alloy will yield a more accurate weight.
- Dimensional Tolerances: Aluminium extrusions have manufacturing tolerances. The actual dimensions (width, thickness) might slightly deviate from the nominal values. These small variations can accumulate over longer lengths, leading to minor discrepancies in the calculated weight compared to the actual material received.
- Internal Structure (Hollow vs. Solid): The primary determinant of weight is the cross-sectional area. Hollow sections (tubes, channels) will weigh significantly less than solid sections (bars, rods) of the same external dimensions because they contain less material. The wall thickness of hollow sections is critical.
- Surface Finish and Coatings: Processes like anodizing or powder coating add a thin layer to the aluminium surface. While typically very light, this added layer can negligibly increase the overall weight per meter, especially for very thin sections or extensive lengths.
- Machining and Fabrication: If sections are subsequently machined (e.g., drilled, cut, milled), material is removed, reducing the final weight of the component. This calculator provides the weight of the raw extrusion, not the finished part after fabrication.
- Temperature Effects: Aluminium, like most materials, expands and contracts with temperature changes. While this primarily affects dimensions, extreme temperature variations could theoretically have a minuscule impact on density, though this is usually negligible for practical weight calculations at ambient temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard density of aluminium used in calculations?
The standard density for aluminium is approximately 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), equivalent to 2700 kg/m³. This value is commonly used for most aluminium alloys unless a specific alloy density is known and required.
Can this calculator be used for aluminium sheets or plates?
This calculator is specifically designed for aluminium *sections* (profiles like tubes, angles, beams). For sheets and plates, you would typically calculate weight based on Length x Width x Thickness x Density.
Does the calculator account for different aluminium alloys?
The calculator uses a default density of 2.7 g/cm³. While this is standard, different aluminium alloys can have slightly different densities. You can manually input a more precise density if you know the specific alloy you are using.
What does "Cross-Sectional Area" mean in this context?
The cross-sectional area is the shape you would see if you cut through the aluminium section perpendicular to its length. It's the profile's shape 'face'. This area is a fundamental factor in determining the weight.
How accurate are the results?
The accuracy depends primarily on the precision of your input dimensions and the correctness of the aluminium density used. Manufacturing tolerances can also cause slight real-world variations. For most practical engineering and estimation purposes, the results are highly accurate.
What units should I use for input dimensions?
The calculator is designed to accept dimensions in millimeters (mm) for most section types. It then converts these internally to square centimeters (cm²) for the calculation. The output weight is always in kilograms per meter (kg/m).
Can I calculate the weight of a custom-shaped aluminium extrusion?
Yes, if you select 'Custom Shape', you can directly input the calculated Cross-Sectional Area (in cm²) of your custom profile, and the calculator will determine the weight per meter based on that area and the specified density.
What if I need the weight for a specific length other than 1 meter?
The calculator provides the weight *per meter*. To find the weight for a different length, simply multiply the 'Weight per Meter' result by the desired length in meters. For example, for 5 meters, multiply the kg/m result by 5.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- Steel Section Weight Calculator: Calculate the weight per meter for various steel profiles, essential for structural engineering comparisons.
- Material Cost Estimator: Estimate the total cost of materials based on weight and price per kilogram.
- Beam Load Calculator: Determine the load-bearing capacity of different beam types under various conditions.
- Density Conversion Tool: Convert material densities between different units (kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/ft³).
- Aluminium Alloys Properties Guide: Learn about the mechanical properties and densities of common aluminium alloys.
- Project Material Planner: A comprehensive tool for planning and tracking all materials needed for a construction or fabrication project.
Enter the outer width in mm.
Enter the outer height in mm.
Enter the wall thickness in mm.
`;
break;
case "tube_rectangular":
inputsHtml = `
Enter the outer width in mm.
Enter the outer height in mm.
Enter the wall thickness in mm.
`;
break;
case "angle_equal":
inputsHtml = `
Enter the length of each equal leg in mm.
Enter the thickness in mm.
`;
break;
case "angle_unequal":
inputsHtml = `
Enter the length of the first leg in mm.
Enter the length of the second leg in mm.
Enter the thickness in mm.
`;
break;
case "beam":
inputsHtml = `
Enter the total height of the I-beam in mm.
Enter the width of each flange in mm.
Enter the thickness of the web in mm.
Enter the thickness of each flange in mm.
`;
break;
case "channel":
inputsHtml = `
Enter the total height of the C-channel in mm.
Enter the width of the flange in mm.
Enter the thickness of the web in mm.
Enter the thickness of the flange in mm.
`;
break;
case "solid_bar":
inputsHtml = `
Enter the diameter in mm. (For square bars, use width).
`;
break;
case "solid_rod":
inputsHtml = `
Enter the diameter in mm.
`;
break;
case "custom":
inputsHtml = `
Enter the calculated cross-sectional area in cm².
`;
break;
}
dynamicInputsDiv.innerHTML = inputsHtml;
// Re-attach event listeners if necessary or call calculateWeight directly
calculateWeight();
}
function calculateCrossSectionalArea() {
var areaCm2 = 0;
var perimeterCm = 0;
var sectionType = getElement("sectionType").value;
var density = parseFloat(getElement("aluminiumDensity").value);
// Validate density first
if (!validateInput("aluminiumDensity", "aluminiumDensityError", 0)) {
return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
}
switch (sectionType) {
case "tube_square":
var width = parseFloat(getElement("outerWidth_ts").value);
var height = parseFloat(getElement("outerHeight_ts").value);
var thickness = parseFloat(getElement("wallThickness_ts").value);
if (!validateInput("outerWidth_ts", "outerWidth_tsError", 0) ||
!validateInput("outerHeight_ts", "outerHeight_tsError", 0) ||
!validateInput("wallThickness_ts", "wallThickness_tsError", 0)) return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
if (thickness * 2 >= width || thickness * 2 >= height) {
getElement("wallThickness_tsError").textContent = "Thickness too large for dimensions.";
getElement("wallThickness_ts").style.borderColor = "red";
return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
}
areaCm2 = ((width * height) – ((width – thickness * 2) * (height – thickness * 2))) / 100; // mm^2 to cm^2
perimeterCm = (width + height) * 2 / 10; // mm to cm
break;
case "tube_rectangular":
var width = parseFloat(getElement("outerWidth_tr").value);
var height = parseFloat(getElement("outerHeight_tr").value);
var thickness = parseFloat(getElement("wallThickness_tr").value);
if (!validateInput("outerWidth_tr", "outerWidth_trError", 0) ||
!validateInput("outerHeight_tr", "outerHeight_trError", 0) ||
!validateInput("wallThickness_tr", "wallThickness_trError", 0)) return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
if (thickness * 2 >= width || thickness * 2 >= height) {
getElement("wallThickness_trError").textContent = "Thickness too large for dimensions.";
getElement("wallThickness_tr").style.borderColor = "red";
return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
}
areaCm2 = ((width * height) – ((width – thickness * 2) * (height – thickness * 2))) / 100; // mm^2 to cm^2
perimeterCm = (width + height) * 2 / 10; // mm to cm
break;
case "angle_equal":
var legLength = parseFloat(getElement("legLength_ae").value);
var thickness = parseFloat(getElement("thickness_ae").value);
if (!validateInput("legLength_ae", "legLength_aeError", 0) ||
!validateInput("thickness_ae", "thickness_aeError", 0)) return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
if (thickness * 2 >= legLength) {
getElement("thickness_aeError").textContent = "Thickness too large for leg length.";
getElement("thickness_ae").style.borderColor = "red";
return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
}
areaCm2 = (legLength * thickness * 2 – thickness * thickness) / 100; // mm^2 to cm^2
perimeterCm = (legLength * 2) + (legLength – thickness) / 10; // mm to cm
break;
case "angle_unequal":
var leg1 = parseFloat(getElement("leg1Length_au").value);
var leg2 = parseFloat(getElement("leg2Length_au").value);
var thickness = parseFloat(getElement("thickness_au").value);
if (!validateInput("leg1Length_au", "leg1Length_auError", 0) ||
!validateInput("leg2Length_au", "leg2Length_auError", 0) ||
!validateInput("thickness_au", "thickness_auError", 0)) return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
areaCm2 = (leg1 * thickness + leg2 * thickness – thickness * thickness) / 100; // mm^2 to cm^2
perimeterCm = leg1 + leg2 + (leg1 – thickness) + (leg2 – thickness) / 10; // mm to cm
break;
case "beam":
var h = parseFloat(getElement("overallHeight_b").value);
var bf = parseFloat(getElement("flangeWidth_b").value);
var tw = parseFloat(getElement("webThickness_b").value);
var tf = parseFloat(getElement("flangeThickness_b").value);
if (!validateInput("overallHeight_b", "overallHeight_bError", 0) ||
!validateInput("flangeWidth_b", "flangeWidth_bError", 0) ||
!validateInput("webThickness_b", "webThickness_bError", 0) ||
!validateInput("flangeThickness_b", "flangeThickness_bError", 0)) return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
if (h = h || tf >= bf || tf * 2 >= h ) {
getElement("overallHeight_bError").textContent = "Invalid dimensions.";
getElement("flangeWidth_bError").textContent = "Invalid dimensions.";
getElement("webThickness_bError").textContent = "Invalid dimensions.";
getElement("flangeThickness_bError").textContent = "Invalid dimensions.";
return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
}
var flangeArea = 2 * bf * tf;
var webHeight = h – 2 * tf;
var webArea = webHeight * tw;
areaCm2 = (flangeArea + webArea) / 100; // mm^2 to cm^2
perimeterCm = (bf * 2) + (h – 2 * tf) + (tw * 2) / 10; // mm to cm
break;
case "channel":
var h = parseFloat(getElement("overallHeight_c").value);
var bf = parseFloat(getElement("flangeWidth_c").value);
var tw = parseFloat(getElement("webThickness_c").value);
var tf = parseFloat(getElement("flangeThickness_c").value);
if (!validateInput("overallHeight_c", "overallHeight_cError", 0) ||
!validateInput("flangeWidth_c", "flangeWidth_cError", 0) ||
!validateInput("webThickness_c", "webThickness_cError", 0) ||
!validateInput("flangeThickness_c", "flangeThickness_cError", 0)) return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
if (h = h || tf >= bf || tf * 2 >= h ) {
getElement("overallHeight_cError").textContent = "Invalid dimensions.";
getElement("flangeWidth_cError").textContent = "Invalid dimensions.";
getElement("webThickness_cError").textContent = "Invalid dimensions.";
getElement("flangeThickness_cError").textContent = "Invalid dimensions.";
return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
}
var flangeArea = bf * tf; // Only one flange exposed on top
var webArea = (h – tf) * tw; // Height excluding the top flange thickness
areaCm2 = (flangeArea + webArea) / 100; // mm^2 to cm^2
perimeterCm = bf + h + (h – tf) + tw + (bf – tw) / 10; // mm to cm
break;
case "solid_bar":
var diameter = parseFloat(getElement("diameter_sb").value);
if (!validateInput("diameter_sb", "diameter_sbError", 0)) return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
areaCm2 = (Math.PI * Math.pow(diameter / 2, 2)) / 100; // mm^2 to cm^2
perimeterCm = Math.PI * diameter / 10; // mm to cm
break;
case "solid_rod":
var diameter = parseFloat(getElement("diameter_sr").value);
if (!validateInput("diameter_sr", "diameter_srError", 0)) return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
areaCm2 = (Math.PI * Math.pow(diameter / 2, 2)) / 100; // mm^2 to cm^2
perimeterCm = Math.PI * diameter / 10; // mm to cm
break;
case "custom":
areaCm2 = parseFloat(getElement("customArea").value);
if (!validateInput("customArea", "customAreaError", 0)) return { areaCm2: 0, perimeterCm: 0, materialVolumeCm3: 0 };
perimeterCm = 0; // Perimeter is not directly calculable from area alone
break;
}
var materialVolumeCm3 = areaCm2 * 100; // Volume for 1 meter (100cm)
return { areaCm2: areaCm2, perimeterCm: perimeterCm, materialVolumeCm3: materialVolumeCm3 };
}
function calculateWeight() {
var results = calculateCrossSectionalArea();
var areaCm2 = results.areaCm2;
var perimeterCm = results.perimeterCm;
var materialVolumeCm3 = results.materialVolumeCm3;
var density = parseFloat(getElement("aluminiumDensity").value);
var sectionType = getElement("sectionType").value;
var weightPerMeterKg = 0;
var sectionTypeName = "N/A";
var primaryDimension = "–";
var primaryDimensionUnit = "mm";
// Update section type name and primary dimension for chart/table
var sectionTypeSelect = getElement("sectionType");
sectionTypeName = sectionTypeSelect.options[sectionTypeSelect.selectedIndex].text;
if (areaCm2 > 0 && density > 0) {
weightPerMeterKg = areaCm2 * density * 0.1; // Simplified formula: Area(cm^2) * Density(g/cm^3) * 0.1 (conversion factor cm -> m)
}
// Update results display
getElement("result").textContent = weightPerMeterKg.toFixed(2) + " kg/m";
getElement("crossSectionalAreaResult").querySelector("span").textContent = areaCm2.toFixed(2);
getElement("perimeterResult").querySelector("span").textContent = perimeterCm.toFixed(2);
getElement("materialVolumeResult").querySelector("span").textContent = materialVolumeCm3.toFixed(2);
// Update table
getElement("tableSectionType").textContent = sectionTypeName;
getElement("tableArea").textContent = areaCm2.toFixed(2);
getElement("tablePerimeter").textContent = perimeterCm.toFixed(2);
getElement("tableWeight").textContent = weightPerMeterKg.toFixed(2);
getElement("tableDensity").textContent = density.toFixed(1);
// Update chart description and determine primary dimension for charting
var chartDescription = getElement("chartDescription");
var chartData = [];
switch (sectionType) {
case "tube_square":
primaryDimension = "Width";
chartData = generateChartData(getElement("outerWidth_ts"), weightPerMeterKg, 10, 50, 100); // min, max, step
break;
case "tube_rectangular":
primaryDimension = "Width";
chartData = generateChartData(getElement("outerWidth_tr"), weightPerMeterKg, 10, 60, 120);
break;
case "angle_equal":
primaryDimension = "Leg Length";
chartData = generateChartData(getElement("legLength_ae"), weightPerMeterKg, 20, 50, 100);
break;
case "angle_unequal":
primaryDimension = "Leg 1 Length";
chartData = generateChartData(getElement("leg1Length_au"), weightPerMeterKg, 20, 60, 120);
break;
case "beam":
primaryDimension = "Overall Height";
chartData = generateChartData(getElement("overallHeight_b"), weightPerMeterKg, 50, 100, 200);
break;
case "channel":
primaryDimension = "Overall Height";
chartData = generateChartData(getElement("overallHeight_c"), weightPerMeterKg, 50, 75, 150);
break;
case "solid_bar":
case "solid_rod":
primaryDimension = "Diameter";
chartData = generateChartData(getElement("diameter_sb") || getElement("diameter_sr"), weightPerMeterKg, 5, 20, 50);
break;
case "custom":
primaryDimension = "Area";
chartData = generateChartData(getElement("customArea"), weightPerMeterKg, 1, 10, 30);
break;
}
chartDescription.textContent = "Weight per meter for varying " + primaryDimension + " of " + sectionTypeName + ".";
updateChart(chartData, primaryDimension);
}
// Helper function to generate data points for the chart
function generateChartData(inputElement, currentWeight, min, start, max) {
var dataPoints = [];
var originalValue = parseFloat(inputElement.value);
var density = parseFloat(getElement("aluminiumDensity").value);
var sectionType = getElement("sectionType").value;
for (var i = min; i 0 && density > 0) {
tempWeight = tempAreaCm2 * density * 0.1;
}
dataPoints.push({ x: tempValue, y: tempWeight });
// Restore original input value
inputElement.value = originalInputValue;
}
return dataPoints;
}
function updateChart(data, primaryDimensionLabel) {
if (!chartContext) {
chartContext = getElement("weightChart").getContext("2d");
}
var labels = data.map(function(point) { return point.x.toFixed(1); });
var weights = data.map(function(point) { return point.y.toFixed(2); });
if (chart) {
chart.destroy();
}
chart = new Chart(chartContext, {
type: 'line',
data: {
labels: labels,
datasets: [{
label: 'Weight per Meter (kg/m)',
data: weights,
borderColor: 'var(–primary-color)',
backgroundColor: 'rgba(0, 74, 153, 0.1)',
fill: true,
tension: 0.1
}]
},
options: {
responsive: true,
maintainAspectRatio: true,
scales: {
x: {
title: {
display: true,
labelString: primaryDimensionLabel + ' (' + (getElement("sectionType").value === "custom" ? "cm²" : "mm") + ')'
}
},
y: {
title: {
display: true,
labelString: 'Weight (kg/m)'
}
}
},
plugins: {
tooltip: {
callbacks: {
label: function(context) {
var label = context.dataset.label || ";
if (label) {
label += ': ';
}
if (context.parsed.y !== null) {
label += context.parsed.y + ' kg/m';
}
return label;
}
}
}
}
}
});
}
function resetCalculator() {
getElement("sectionType").value = "tube_square";
updateInputs(); // Repopulates inputs with defaults
getElement("aluminiumDensity").value = "2.7";
// Clear error messages
var errorElements = document.querySelectorAll('.error-message');
for (var i = 0; i < errorElements.length; i++) {
errorElements[i].textContent = '';
}
// Reset borders
var inputs = document.querySelectorAll('.loan-calc-container input, .loan-calc-container select');
for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; i++) {
inputs[i].style.borderColor = "var(–border-color)";
}
calculateWeight(); // Recalculate with defaults
}
function copyResults() {
var mainResult = getElement("result").textContent;
var areaResult = getElement("crossSectionalAreaResult").querySelector("span").textContent + " cm²";
var perimeterResult = getElement("perimeterResult").querySelector("span").textContent + " cm";
var volumeResult = getElement("materialVolumeResult").querySelector("span").textContent + " cm³";
var sectionType = getElement("tableSectionType").textContent;
var density = getElement("tableDensity").textContent + " g/cm³";
var formula = "Weight (kg/m) = Cross-Sectional Area (cm²) * Density (g/cm³) * 0.1";
var textToCopy = "Aluminium Section Weight Per Meter Calculation:\n\n" +
"Section Type: " + sectionType + "\n" +
"Calculated Weight per Meter: " + mainResult + "\n" +
"Cross-Sectional Area: " + areaCm2.toFixed(2) + " cm²\n" +
"Perimeter: " + perimeterCm.toFixed(2) + " cm\n" +
"Material Volume (per meter): " + materialVolumeCm3.toFixed(2) + " cm³\n\n" +
"Assumptions:\n" +
"Aluminium Density: " + density + "\n" +
"Formula Used: " + formula + "\n";
// Use a temporary textarea to copy text
var tempTextArea = document.createElement("textarea");
tempTextArea.value = textToCopy;
tempTextArea.style.position = "absolute";
tempTextArea.style.left = "-9999px"; // Move off-screen
document.body.appendChild(tempTextArea);
tempTextArea.select();
try {
document.execCommand('copy');
alert("Results copied to clipboard!");
} catch (e) {
alert("Failed to copy results. Please copy manually.");
}
document.body.removeChild(tempTextArea);
}
// FAQ Toggle functionality
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
var faqHeaders = document.querySelectorAll('.faq-section h3');
faqHeaders.forEach(function(header) {
header.addEventListener('click', function() {
var answer = this.nextElementSibling;
this.classList.toggle('active');
if (this.classList.contains('active')) {
answer.style.display = 'block';
} else {
answer.style.display = 'none';
}
});
});
updateInputs(); // Initialize inputs based on default selection
calculateWeight(); // Calculate initial values
// Load Chart.js from CDN
var chartScript = document.createElement('script');
chartScript.src = 'https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/chart.js@3.9.1/dist/chart.min.js';
chartScript.onload = function() {
// Chart.js loaded, now we can initialize the chart
chartContext = getElement("weightChart").getContext("2d");
var initialChartData = generateChartData(getElement("outerWidth_ts"), 0, 10, 50, 100); // Dummy data for initial setup
updateChart(initialChartData, "Width");
};
document.head.appendChild(chartScript);
});