Recent content by maxf11

I see what you mean, thanks. However, the components of the contact forces don't act perpendicular to any uniform cross-section either, so my question remains. Is there any good way to estimate the stress you could propose (e.g. finding the average stress).

Homework Statement In a mathematics-based investigation, I am trying to estimate the stress through a voussoir (member) of an arch bridge. However, these members have non-uniform cross-sections. I don't need to know how to exactly calculate the stress in each part of the member, only the total...

80t/(5/3t)=240t/5t=48

In case you don't know how they got the first step, they took the total distance over the total time: it's t+2/3t because he's traveling 1.5 times as fast on the way back. as t represents the amount of time it takes the train to get to the turning point, we can use the formula d = 40t (because...

Thank you for all the responses, you have all been very helpful!

Could anyone else just briefly let me know if they have any insights whatsoever regarding this topic? It would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Suppose I focus on only one of them, and assume the construction in itself is perfect, that would essentially leave me only with the quoted option to investigate, right? If I choose a specific material, do you think I can calculate when this material will collapse under the stress? Some more...

OK, I see where my thinking was off. Just to be sure I'm getting it right now, I've attached a screenshot of how I understand it: http://imgur.com/KHjEH4v. I also see how changing the curvature will affect the internal angle of the vector diagram, and the lengths of the vectors. Could you...

Thank you! That's very helpful, exactly what I was hoping for I'm not completely sure of how your diagram would work, if I'm not wrong there should be two rods connecting the three point masses, so what rods are you referring to with the lower and upper rods? And why would the upper rod push...

Hey, I've been looking into some civil/structural engineering for a school project, and came across bridge design. I've decided to try some integrating and optimising to do with an arch bridge (optimal cost/strength proportions). The math isn't too hard, but what I'm struggling with so far is...

Just wanted to introduce myself, high school student/aspiring engineer.