[boost] Re: Dimensional Analysis Interest?

From: Hugo Duncan (hugoduncan_at_[hidden])
Date: 2003-10-16 13:46:53

Deane Yang <deane_yang_at_[hidden]> wrote:

[snipped good explanation of dimensional analysis]

> You can do this for any of the dimensions, whether they are fundamental 
> or derived. However, if you choose units for each of the fundamental 
> dimensions, then they naturally induce units for each of the derived 
> dimensions.

Agreed, but how do you use a unit such as BTU which is not defined
in terms of units of fundamental dimensions?

For me this is a fundamental, practical reason to distinguish
between dimensional analysis ( a library that deals in powers of
fundamental dimensions) and a units library (that converts between
quantities of the same, possibly derived, dimensions)

Hugo