how do you calculate the maximum gradient of an unknown curve?

Question

I have a single data variable that varies with time. It is actually a pressure trace for a cylinder and increases to a peak over time then decreases. I want to find the the maximum pressure rise rate or maximum gradient of the curve. The curve has no equation and is just a set of time varying data points.

Is there a method for estimating the maximum gradient from the data?

Answer 1

Well. You can keep drawing tangents until one which you find is the steepest. From your info, i have the idea that the curve is in the shape of a bell. So perhaps you can try drawing tangents at the mid-range of the curve.

Hope this helps=)