(^322) „„„„„ A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
322

Equilibrium

of Strings

15

CHAPTERCHAPTERCHAPTERCHAPTERCHAPTER

15.1.INTRODUCTION

A string (or rope), in its theoretical sense, is

absolutely flexible, light (i.e. its weight is neglected)

and inextensible. It is capable of offering only tensile

resistance. The slope of a loaded string depends upon

its length and the loads supported by it. It will be

interesting to know that if the loads carried by the

string are changed (in magnitude or position) its shape

will also change.

15.2.SHAPE OF A LOADED STRING

Consider a string or cable suspended at two

points A and B at the same level, and carrying a uni-

formly distributed load over its horizontal span as

shown in Fig 15.1.

Contents

1. Introduction.


2. Shape of a Loaded String.


3. Tension in a String.


4. Tension in a String Carrying
   Point Loads.


5. Tension in a String Carrying
   Uniformly Distributed Load.


6. Tension in a String when the
   Two Supports are at
   Different Levels.


7. Length of a String.


8. Length of a String when the
   Supports are at the Same
   Level.


9. Length of a String when the
   Supports are at Different
   Levels.


10. The Catenary.