Range of Experiments
- Comparison of experimental results of a suspension cable with a catenary
- Study of use of the simplified theory assuming a parabolic curve
- Symmetrical and unsymmetrical suspended cables
- Determination of the effect of a point load
Description
A horizontal base beam has a fixed pulley at one end and a vertically adjustable pulley at the other end of a 1 m span. A length of roller chain is used as the suspension cable, which is tensioned by two spring balances that can be adjusted to keep the chain length constant. A height gauge on the base beam is provided to measure the x.y co-ordinates of the lay of the chain. A large number of small weights are used to hang on the chain rollers to vary the uniform weight per unit length, or alternatively to hang in a cluster to form a point load. Software is accessible for processing results.
This equipment is part of a range designed to both demonstrate and experimentally confirm basic engineering principles. Great care has been given to each item so as to provide wide experimental scope without unduly complicating or compromising the design. Setting up time is minimal, and all measurements are made with the simplest possible instrumentation, so that the student involvement is purely with the engineering principles being taught.