Slightly OT- Physics forum

[randogdavis]

Does anyone here know of a good physics/structural engineering forum? I'm trying to find out what shape certain structures will take on when different forces are applied to them. (eg a chain, with gravity applied, will hang to form a catenary...)
Any help?
Thanks,
RD

[matg]

not sure of any forums, but a hanging chain would try to form a parabolic curve. If you have a copy of the POCKET REF, that little black book packed full of information, it may have some pointers for you, not sure how else to help, maybe google structural engineering forums or college physics clubs?

> Does anyone here know of a good
> physics/structural engineering forum? I'm
> trying to find out what shape certain
> structures will take on when different
> forces are applied to them. (eg a chain,
> with gravity applied, will hang to form a
> catenary...)
> Any help?
> Thanks,
> RD

[curt_c]

Provided Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catenary


> not sure of any forums, but a hanging chain
> would try to form a parabolic curve.

Actually a catenary is correct. You are in good company however, Galileo thought it would be a parabola too...

C

[davidvwebber]

> Actually a catenary is correct. You are in
> good company however, Galileo thought it
> would be a parabola too...

> C
Glad that was corrected , now I don't have to do it ! ALSO , did you all know that the St. Louis Arch is an upside - down catenary ? That way every segement is in pure compression ; just as every link in your chain is in pure tension !!
Cool , isn't it ? DVW

[unknownuser]

Provided Link: Maybe here?





(Originally posted by: biggerdog)