What curve shape does a cable assume when subjected to a uniform horizontal load distribution_________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. parabola
Explanation
A flexible cable subjected to a uniform horizontal load distribution assumes a parabolic curve. Suspension bridge cables carrying uniform deck loads approximate this exact geometric shape. Mathematical derivation confirms that uniform horizontal loading results in parabolic equations. Cables and suspension structures adjust their shape to carry applied loads purely in tension. A uniform horizontal load means the load is constant per unit of horizontal span length. Parabolic cable profiles simplify structural analysis in civil engineering bridge design.
Civil engineers design suspension bridges using parabolic cable curves to support roadway decks. Understanding cable geometry is essential for building safe overhead transmission line networks. Structural analysis software uses parabolic equations to model flexible cable behavior under load. A straight line describes cables carrying only concentrated point loads at specific intervals. A hyperbolic shape occurs under different loading conditions such as cooling tower shells. Circular arcs only occur when cables support their own uniform weight along the arc length.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Mechanical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
Related questions
Q1. In SI units, the specific weight of water is equal to ________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: C. 9.81 xlO3 N/m3
The specific weight of a fluid is calculated by multiplying its mass density by gravitational acceleration. For water, the standard density is approximately one thousand kilograms per cubic meter. Multiplying one thousan...
Q2. Where does structural failure occur when a cantilever beam's end load is increased___________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. anywhere
Structural failure in a loaded cantilever beam can occur anywhere along its span where the bending moment exceeds the material's capacity. While maximum bending moment concentrates at the fixed support, material defects...
Q3. What are the desired characteristics of a refrigerator refrigerant___________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: C. high latent heat
A high latent heat of vaporization allows refrigerants to absorb massive quantities of thermal energy during phase change. Refrigeration systems depend on phase change enthalpy rather than sensible temperature changes to...
Q4. Up to what vertical height can a particle remain at rest inside a hollow sphere of radius r with a friction coefficient -rr___________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. 0.134 r
A particle remaining at rest inside a rough hollow sphere is limited by friction. Mathematical analysis of equilibrium forces and friction coefficients yields the height limit. The vertical height restriction depends dir...
Q5. Where is the exhaust steam from a high-pressure turbine routed for reheating _____________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: E. a separate coil located in convection path
High-pressure steam requires reheating to improve thermodynamic cycle efficiency and prevent excessive moisture in turbine blades. The convection path of a boiler provides the necessary high-temperature flue gases for ef...
Q6. Why is the specific weight of ocean water greater than that of pure water due to dissolved substances_________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. all of the above
Ocean water has a greater specific weight than pure water due to dissolved salts, minerals, and suspended matter. Dissolved ionic solutes like sodium chloride increase the mass of a given volume without expanding it prop...