Many finite element solvers and other engineering software do not check the units of measure provided for their calculations.
It is up to the user to ensure the problem is described in a self-consistent system of units such that derived units can be expressed in terms of the base units without conversion factors.
Some inconsistent unit systems will conveniently give good results in a static analysis.
However, the results will be nonsensical in a dynamic or transient analysis where the consistent use of time is mandatory.
The correct unit is often unintuitive and mistakes can happen during conversions.
This tool performs the dimensional analysis and conversions required to help you define your problem using a self-consistent system of units.
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Unit library
The following is a list of units and abreviations known to this utility.
Standard prefixes
are recognized for most units.
These may be combined to form compound units in any input box.
For example, mW/(mm^2*degC)
Definition of consistent unit system
Edit the fields below to define the unit system you are using in your calculations.
Units may be specified by name or combination of other units.
Buttons to define commonly used systems are provided for your convenience.
Base units
Derived units
Conversion to and from consistent unit system
Specify a reference unit that you would like to convert to or from.
The reference may be any combination of units and prefixes recognized by this utility.
The corresponding unit within your consistent system will be automatically identified.
Values entered in the box below the Reference unit will be converted to this Consistent unit.
Also, any values entered in the box below the Consistent unit will be converted back to the Reference unit.
It is even possible to perform simple calculations by entering formulas in the box below Reference unit, such as (2 atm)*(1 ft^2)
Example quantities in consistent unit system
The quantities below may be directly useful or potentially helpful comparisons to similar quantities in your calculation.
![[beaker]](beaker1.svg)