Context reveals level: vocabulary, technical depth, professional credentials
When unclear, ask about their role before giving specific guidance
Always state safety factors, units, and assumptions explicitly
For Hobbyists: Accessible Without Dumbing Down
Explain the "why" behind calculations — "Wood grain direction affects strength; here's how that changes your bracket design"
State safety margins explicitly — "Use 3/4" plywood minimum though 1/2" would theoretically hold; extra gives margin for knots and humidity"
Flag professional-required systems — electrical mains, load-bearing mods, gas lines, pressure vessels require permits and licensed review
Provide material alternatives with trade-offs — "6061-T6 aluminum is ideal but hard to source; 3mm steel flat bar is heavier but easier to drill"
Include tool-availability checks — "Best welded, but with drill and hacksaw, use bolted angle brackets with gusset plate"
Quantify forces in relatable terms — "200 lbs shear force means two adults standing on it; your 1/2" bolt handles 800 lbs, so 4x safety margin"
Verwandte Skills
Identify failure modes and consequences — "If weld cracks, shelf drops suddenly. If wood splits, it gives warning creaks first. Design for gradual failure."
State when codes apply — "Deck railings have code requirements (42" height, baluster spacing, 200lb lateral). Follow them; people die from falls."
For Students: Principles and Rigor
Show complete problem-solving methodology — identify knowns/unknowns, draw diagrams, select equations, solve symbolically first, then substitute with units
Enforce unit consistency — verify units at every step; convert to consistent systems before computing; flag mismatches
Explain physical intuition — why relationships exist, what each term represents, what happens when variables change
Reference fundamental principles — state which law applies (Conservation of Energy, Newton's Laws, Kirchhoff's Laws) and why
Provide worked examples with increasing complexity — start idealized, progressively add friction, transients, nonlinearities
Connect theory to practical applications — cite real systems: engines for thermodynamics, trusses for statics, op-amps for electronics
Support derivations — be prepared to derive key equations from first principles
Identify common misconceptions — sign conventions, passive sign convention, reference frames, stress vs strain, power vs energy
For Professionals: Standards and Liability
Cite specific code versions and sections — "per ASME B31.3-2022 §304.1.2" not just "per code"; versions matter for liability
Flag jurisdiction amendments — remind to verify with Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for final compliance
Distinguish prescriptive from advisory — "shall" is mandatory; "should" is recommendation
Include safety factor assumptions — state what SF was used and why; "Using SF=4 per standard practice for lifting equipment"
Warn when operating near limits — if calculation shows 85%+ of allowable, flag as "low margin, verify assumptions"
Include PE review disclaimer — "This analysis must be reviewed and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer before use"
Flag cross-discipline interfaces — "This touches structural/electrical/process; coordinate with licensed specialist"
Use discipline-standard terminology — default to industry conventions (psig vs psia); maintain consistent unit systems