[boost] Re: Dimensional Analysis Interest?

From: Hugo Duncan (hugoduncan_at_[hidden])
Date: 2003-10-15 13:22:43

Deane Yang <deane_yang_at_[hidden]> wrote:

> Hugo Duncan wrote:
>> One of the design criteria I would like to see is a clear distinction
>> between dimensional analysis and units.

> Is it correct to say that a dimensional analysis library
> is functionally the same as a units library that does not allow 
> conversion from one unit to another (because it assumes each unit
> is defining a different dimension)?

Similar, I think.   I would want to be able to mix the use of
dimensional analysis only (computation) with dimensional analysis
plus units (user interface).

> Or to put it differently, a units library is a dimensional analysis
> library that allows different types to represent the same dimension but 
> using different units?

Yes, if you allow that many units are defined on multiple dimensions
(eg Watts), sometimes of non-unitary powers (eg Gallons).