Hauptberechnung

Hauptberechnung is a German term formed from Haupt, meaning main or principal, and Berechnung, calculation. In technical and engineering contexts the phrase denotes the primary computational step in a method, project, or analysis. It is not a formal international standard term, but a commonly used label in documentation and discussions to identify the central calculation.

Typically the Hauptberechnung yields the results that determine design decisions, performance assessments, or verification outcomes. It is often complemented by Nebenberechnungen (secondary calculations), validation checks, or sensitivity studies, which support or challenge the conclusions of the main calculation. The scope and methods of the Hauptberechnung are defined by explicit assumptions, input data, and governing equations.

In practice, the Hauptberechnung may involve analytical derivations, numerical simulations, or a combination of both. The level of detail depends on the discipline: structural engineering, mechanical design, electrical engineering, or numerical mathematics. The choice of method is guided by accuracy requirements, available data, and computational resources.

Documentation is essential because the term lacks standardized formatting. A transparent Hauptberechnung includes the purpose, data sources, modeling choices, calculation steps, results, uncertainties, and references. In many projects it forms the core of the design justification and is subject to peer review or regulatory oversight.

See also: Nebenberechnungen, Numerische Berechnung.