Box Girder Distortion: Stability Geometry Explained

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the stability geometry of box girders and their distortion under pressure, using analogies from engineering and biology. It highlights that air speed resistance and static pressure are linear with surface area, and compares the impact of different ship types on a wharf to the effects of surgical chisels on bone. The conversation raises questions about the extent of damage caused by various blade thicknesses and the implications of trabeculae connectors in bone structure. Participants seek clarity on the specific mechanics of box girder distortion and its relevance to bone research.

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  • Understanding of basic engineering principles related to pressure and force distribution
  • Familiarity with biological structures, specifically bone anatomy and mechanics
  • Knowledge of material properties, particularly in relation to surgical tools and their effects
  • Concepts of structural stability and geometry in engineering contexts
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  • Research the mechanics of box girder design and failure modes
  • Study the properties of bone, focusing on trabecular architecture and its mechanical implications
  • Explore the effects of blade thickness on cutting efficiency and material damage
  • Investigate the principles of force distribution in collisions involving different shapes and sizes
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Engineers, biomechanical researchers, and medical professionals interested in the mechanics of materials and the effects of force on biological structures.

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I have minimal engineering knowledge. Air speed resistance is linear with surface area as is static pressure from a standing body. A box girder under pressure is not simple. The bone in a skull is a beam of 2 layers of cortex about 2mm thick with trabeculae connectors about 4mm. Surgical chisels are 2mm thick or less to avoid side deflected shock, cracking and so jamming the chisel in surgery. A razor blade striking bone cause erratic cracking from the tip.

An analogy may be a naval destroyer with sharp bow hitting a wood wharf with timber piles and cross-timbers. A broad merchant ship may have twice the width in the bow but the effect of high speed wharf collision may not be just half the penetration. The box girder wharf may spread the force out wider causing a shallow complex distortion. The collected broken timbers may further broaden the front force .

Could the final effect be a damaged area that is 3, 4, 5 times the width of the merchant ship? A skull has been excavated with excised bone and an Australian Aboriginal wooden sword-blade is assumed to be the cause. These are about 5mm thick at 10mm back from edge but the smooth excision fracture looks like a metal sword cut ( say 3mm thick). Any comments on the stability geometry of box girders will be appreciated .
 
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Your posting is too much of a jumble to really understand what you are asking about . Can you explain the basic problem more clearly and ask some specific questions ?
 
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The final q. is : would a sword of 5mm blade thickness be likely to slice a skull bone 8mmm thick, like a 2mm thick blade cuts ? Given the 2mm limit for a slicing action before erratic side damage , what proportions of force would act in this box-girder geometry? Bone researchers don't know the answer so I'm just hoping for general comments . The 4mm length of trabeculae connectors may be relevant if the force strikes their whole length rather than mid-point. I'm guessing the whole thing would collapse in a depression fracture.
 

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