34 research outputs found
The role of aerodynamic forces in a mathematical model for suspension bridges
In a fish-bone model for suspension bridges studied by us in a previous paper
we introduce linear aerodynamic forces. We numerically analyze the role of
these forces and we theoretically show that they do not influence the onset of
torsional oscillations. This suggests a new explanation for the origin of
instability in suspension bridges: it is a combined interaction between
structural nonlinearity and aerodynamics and it follows a precise pattern. This
gives an answer to a long-standing question about the origin of torsional
instability in suspension bridges
Radial stretching of a thin hollow membrane: biaxial tension, tension field and buckling domains
Experimental Snap Loading of Synthetic Ropes
Large tensile forces, known as snap loads, can occur when a slack rope becomes taut. Such forces may damage the rope or masses connected to it. Experiments are described in which one end of a rope is attached to the top of a drop tower and the bottom end is attached to a weight. The weight is raised to a certain height and then released. The force at the top of the rope and the acceleration of the weight are recorded during the first snap load that occurs. Repeated drop tests are performed on each rope. The effects of the type of rope, drop height, drop weight, whether the rope has been subjected to static precycling, and the number of previous dynamic tests are examined. A mathematical model is proposed for the rope force as a function of the displacement and velocity of the weight