Geometry calculations for Linear Actuators

[Countdown]

Hi community,

Is there a resource available for calculating the kinematics of the LA's? Some kind of a computerized solver where you put a initial condition, the stroke of a cylinder, the length, the final angle of rotation or degree needed? Or some program to solve or simulate the kinematics of 3 and 4 point linkage?

For example, here's my problem: I want to raise a boom from -10 to 90 deg. What would be the ideal configuration in studless with large LA's?

Unfortunately, my laptop can't handle SR3D; is there something else?

Thanks

[DrJB]

I'm sure you can cook-up something rather quickly in Excel. If you give more specifics, I'll try it.

[efferman]

try this

angle by efferman, on Flickr