SAWE Technical Papers

@inproceedings{3843,

title = {3843. Digital Exposure of Mass Properties Data},

author = {Nick Thies},

url = {https://www.sawe.org/product/3843-digital-exposure-of-mass-properties-data/},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-05-21},

urldate = {2026-05-21},

booktitle = {85th SAWE International Conference on Mass Properties Engineering},

publisher = {Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.},

abstract = {Providing mass properties data for the consumption of others is, and may always be, a deliberate act. Whether that data takes the form of a periodic data deliverable, like a status report, or a specific

response to a customer question, Mass Properties Engineers must frequently mine and manipulate data to satisfy the needs of others. The data maintained within any mass properties database has a breadth that far exceeds simple numerical values of weight, center of gravity, and inertia. Most often, a database includes a labyrinth of codes and descriptors necessary to sort, parse, and aggregate those core numerical values in a meaningful way. Few people other than the Mass Properties Engineers tasked with maintaining that data have any real success gathering/assessing the data sufficiently well to satisfy specific data requests. As a result, both Mass Properties Engineers and customers persist in a request/provide, request/provide paradigm. Even when considering periodic data deliverables, this cycle is preserved (with an implied request). Establishing methods by which mass properties data can be openly exposed, in a meaningful way, serves to break down this cycle. Many data requests need not be asked again; the data is always available without request. In some cases, periodic data deliverables are challenged, relegated to historical practices, as they are replaced by real-time or near-real-time data. However, realizing such a paradigm-breaking scenario cannot occur without one thing – a deliberate act to do so. This paper presents fundamental changes which enable digital exposure of mass properties data.},

keywords = {General},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

@inproceedings{3851,

title = {3851. Roll and Horizontal Axis Moment of Inertia (MOI) Measurements using a Gravity Pendulum},

author = {James Blair},

url = {https://www.sawe.org/product/3851-roll-and-horizontal-axis-moment-of-inertia-moi-measurements-using-a-gravity-pendulum/},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-05-19},

urldate = {2026-05-19},

booktitle = {85th SAWE International Conference on Mass Properties Engineering},

publisher = {Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.},

abstract = {Customers with long cylindrical parts have had difficulty measuring the inertia about the roll axis on systems that require the part to be mounted vertical in order to conduct the measurement. This has led to issues with the requirement of a variety of fixtures and risky handling of parts in order to orient the part. Raptor Scientific has developed a measurement system that measures inertia about the roll axis in a horizontal manner using an air bearing fixture and universal rings to measure the time period, and when combined with center of gravity measurements from a KSR instrument and mass measurements, determines the inertia about this axis. This paper examines the goals of the end user, the process used in designing the fixture, final results and accuracy requirements / what is achievable, and lessons learned along the way for the design and build of the final deliverable instrument.},

keywords = {General},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

@inproceedings{3846,

title = {3846. Vendor Guarantee Weights in Product Development},

author = {Doug Fisher},

url = {https://www.sawe.org/product/3846-vendor-guarantee-weights-in-product-development/},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-05-19},

booktitle = {85th SAWE International Conference on Mass Properties Engineering},

publisher = {Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.},

abstract = {Aircraft OEMs outsource significant design and build scope to vendors/suppliers. A Guarantee weight (often termed a Guaranteed-Not-to-Exceed weight) is the maximum allowable delivered weight of a supplier’s item. This paper outlines key considerations for establishing Guarantee weight agreements between design/manufacturing suppliers and aircraft OEMs in the civil aviation industry. Contractually binding Guarantee weights are critical to meeting aircraft performance and safety goals. Because suppliers face penalties for non-compliance, Guarantee weights must be realistically achievable within program cost and schedule constraints. Guarantees are often set early in development, before the design is stable. Early unknowns create weight risk that must be accounted for (via management reserve, weight-growth allowance, or other countermeasures) to reach an agreement acceptable to both parties.},

keywords = {General},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

@inproceedings{3845,

title = {3845. The Earned Value Evolution of the Plan to Perform},

author = {Patrick Brown},

url = {https://www.sawe.org/product/3845-the-earned-value-evolution-of-the-plan-to-perform/},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-05-19},

urldate = {2026-05-19},

booktitle = {85th SAWE International Conference on Mass Properties Engineering},

publisher = {Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.},

abstract = {Earned Value Management (EVM) is a widely recognized project management technique for objectively measuring project performance by integrating scope, schedule, and cost. The Mass Properties Plan to Perform (PtP) is used in the total product lifecycle Program Development phase for managing and communicating status empty, target, and not-to-exceed (NTE) weights. This paper explores the possibility of superimposing the EVM techniques onto the PtP process. And by leveraging the EVM vernacular, the author hopes to achieve the following results:

- PtP with ‘earned weights’ (status and NTE as compared to target weights)

- Improved Program, Chief Engineer, and Integrated Team communication (performance indices and variance analysis)

- Wider understanding within non-technical disciplines e.g. Business Management team, Global Supply Chain, etc. (conceptual commonality with established EVM and relationships)



While the concepts presented in the paper are practical, and loosely follow both EVM and PtP methods, the application and examples provided are hypothetical.},

keywords = {General},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

@inproceedings{3815,

title = {3815. Defending Mass Properties},

author = {Robert Zimmerman},

url = {https://www.sawe.org/product/3815-defending-mass-properties/},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-05-20},

booktitle = {84th SAWE International Conference on Mass Properties Engineering},

publisher = {Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.},

abstract = {The mass properties profession as viewed by outsiders is a simple job, even not seen as true

engineering, a glorified accounting job. As seen from the inside, we who endeavor to perform

mass properties as a career know that mass properties is simple is not the case. This

dichotomy of views hinders our ability to perform our function, lowers our perceived value, and

even threatens our very existence on programs. This problem stems from bias and ignorance from

those who aren’t intimately familiar with our capabilities and the perception that two equations are

the foundation of mass properties.

The first equation is:

This equation has two consequences, first it equates mass and weight, and secondly the equation

cements the mindset that the role of the mass properties practitioner is that of a weight accountant.

The second equation is:

or simply put weight equals density times volume. Although true, this is only applicable in limited

situations that a mass properties engineer encounters, yet this limited aspect is not thought about

by most people, even in engineering. The equation applies to most structural elements, such as a

strut or a beam, but is inapplicable when an item is made of multiple components such as an

electronic box. Moreover, these equations completely ignore other aspects of mass properties

engineering such as determination of Centers of Gravity and Inertia, as well as reporting,

controlling mass properties, and verification activities.

This paper will use the author’s own experience with interactions with personnel he has

encountered in his career and present ways to counter the “Mass Properties is Simple” mindset

to make believers out of mass properties skeptics.},

keywords = {General},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

@inproceedings{3817,

title = {3817. Mass Property Data Checking for Modular Construction},

author = {Robert J. Hundl and Jeff Robertson},

url = {https://www.sawe.org/product/3817-mass-property-data-checking-for-modular-construction/},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-05-20},

urldate = {2025-05-20},

booktitle = {84th SAWE International Conference on Mass Properties Engineering},

publisher = {Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.},

abstract = {In the Energy and Chemicals Construction Industry, many projects utilize modular construction, which necessitates transporting modules from the fabrication yard to the project site. This often involves a combination of ocean and land transportation and may require lifting the modules on or off vessels or into place at the site. Ensuring the safe transport and lifting of these modules is critical, with weight and center of gravity being key factors. Despite the accuracy of 3D models, detailed checks of attributes are essential to verify calculations for weight and center of gravity. Large projects, with over 100 modules, can generate more than a million rows of data that need to be checked. Additionally, many items are not modeled, requiring manual estimates that also need verification. Automating this checking process is crucial to allow engineers to focus on critical issues rather than being overwhelmed by data. This paper describes several methods developed to improve data checking and provide more accurate estimates.},

keywords = {General},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

@inproceedings{3799,

title = {3799. A Quick Start Guide to Using Excel VBA},

author = {Robert J. Hundl},

url = {https://www.sawe.org/product/3799-a-quick-start-guide-to-using-excel-vba/},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-05-22},

booktitle = {83rd International Conference, virtual (2024)},

pages = {41},

publisher = {Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.},

abstract = {MS Excel is a tool that just about every engineer has on their desktop PC.  Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is a very powerful feature included in MS Excel that most users don’t use.  It was first introduced in MS Excel in 1995 and over the years has become even more powerful.  In this paper, I will review useful programming commands, ways to speed up processing of data, and provide a few examples of use. },

keywords = {General},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

@inproceedings{3806,

title = {3806. SAWE Handbook Section 2.2 Solid Properties Excel Formulae},

author = {Robert L. Zimmerman },

url = {https://www.sawe.org/product/3806-sawe-handbook-section-2dot2-solid-properties-excel-formulae/},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-05-22},

booktitle = {83rd International Conference, virtual (2024)},

pages = {17},

publisher = {Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.},

abstract = {The SAWE Handbook Section 2 has figures and formulae for many shapes, including (Section 2.1) Plane Areas, (Section 2.2) Solids, and (Section 2.3) Shells, Section 2.4) Thin Rods. This paper will concentrate on Solids, Section 2.2, and convert the formulae from this section into equivalent Excel equations that can be used to derive the mass, center(s) of gravity, and the mass moments of inertia of these solid shapes. The resulting values can then be used in determining the mass properties of these and composite entities in further calculations.},

keywords = {General},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

@inproceedings{3807,

title = {3807. Why Measure?},

author = {Bob Cipolli},

url = {https://www.sawe.org/product/3807-why-measure/},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-05-22},

booktitle = {83rd International Conference, virtual (2024)},

pages = {2},

publisher = {Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.},

abstract = {Mass properties determination is critical for the mission success of a variety of objects. From spacecraft and airplanes to computer disc drive heads and golf balls. Weight, center of gravity, moment of inertia and product of inertia can be estimated through computer modeling but those values are lacking in real world tolerances that may not reflect the entire process of design, machining, assembly, and environment. This paper reviews some of the reasons for measuring those mass properties and the possible repercussions of flawed estimates.},

keywords = {General},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

@inproceedings{3809,

title = {3809. Practical Limits of Precision when Tracking Weight Changes in Series Production},

author = {Doug Fisher},

url = {https://www.sawe.org/product/3809-practical-limits-of-precision-when-tracking-weight-changes-in-series-production/},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-05-22},

booktitle = {83rd International Conference, virtual (2024)},

pages = {12},

publisher = {Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.},

abstract = {Calculafing and tracking the weight impact of design changes during aircraft product development and series producfion is an important part of ensuring a program's success. Computer model-based design tools and databases allow miniscule impacts to be calculated, documented, and tracked - each at a cost to the program in non-recurring hours. There exists a pracfical lower limit for weight impacts, below which the impact can be considered negligible. The cost of tracking impacts below this limit is wasteful and should be avoided. This paper will describe a method for determining this lower limit, along with the associated benefits and risks.},

keywords = {General},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}