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View Full Version : Basic physics- chain strength question.


8th Dumbest
Feb28-08, 07:55 PM
A chain always breaks ath the weakest link. Right?

Hypothetical:
Where would a chain break if all the links were of equal strength, shape, shape, size... equal in every way. Ignore all tolerance rules, this is hypothetical!

Thanks!

Andy Resnick
Feb29-08, 07:30 AM
It would most likely break in a stochastic fashion- a thermal fluctuation in some property would lead to local weakening, causing that link to break. Which link broke would be random.

pam
Feb29-08, 08:44 AM
It depends on the orientation and use of the chain.
A chain would break where the tension is greatest.
For instance, a hanging chain would break at the top.