Catenary Arch
This arch stays standing despite
the center block's weight.
|
To do
and watch:
Lay the base board flat and arrange the blocks using the outline as a guide.
Each block is numbered and is marked with a black line on the inside.
Be sure to push the blocks closely together.
Slowly raise the board until the arch is vertical. The
board can then be released.
|
|
If the arch is touched very gently from the side, it will ripple like a
chain - but will not fall down.
|
|
Why
does this work:
The arch stays standing because it is shaped with every block in the arch held in place by the adjacent block. The blocks do not slide because of the force between the blocks.
|
The word " catenary" means "chain". A hanging
chain is given shape by each segment of chain pulling on every other segment.
The most weight occurs where the segment is suspended - causing a
vertical position. The slope of the
chain decreases as the supporting weight decreases.
More
Information on Catenary Curves
Directions on How to Build the Catenary Arch
Exhibit
Related Exhibit: Catenary
Road (Square Wheels)
Back
to Curves Exhibits Page