Relationship between diameter and strength of hollow tube

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between the diameter of hollow tubes and their strength in terms of flexural load. Participants explore whether this relationship is linear or non-linear, particularly in the context of measuring the force required to flex tubes of varying diameters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the nature of the relationship, asking if it is linear or non-linear and expressing a need to normalize flexural load data based on diameter.
  • Another participant suggests that the relevant disciplines for this inquiry are Strength of Materials or solid mechanics, rather than general physics.
  • A different participant proposes that the relationship may depend on the diameter raised to the power of three or four, indicating a non-linear relationship.
  • It is noted that even Hooke's law, which describes linear elasticity, applies only for very small deformations, implying that the relationship is likely non-linear.
  • Experimentation or the use of analysis software is recommended as a means to investigate the relationship further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the relationship is not linear, but there is no consensus on the exact nature of the relationship or the specific mathematical dependence on diameter.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the exact mathematical relationship and acknowledge that further experimentation or analysis is necessary to clarify these points.

ashleytan
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Hi,

I was wondering what is the relationship between 'diameter size' and the strength to flex a hollow tube... is it linear or non-linear?

I'm measuring the flexural load of different hollow tubes (with different diameter size) and looking for a way to normalize the the flexural load data based on their diameters. Is that possible?

I should mention that my aim is to find out the force needed to flex the material in the tubes and my tubes come in different diameters.

Physics is not my forte and any help would be very much appreciated!
 
Last edited:
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ashleytan:
It's not physics which will guide you in setting up your experiment and analyzing the data obtained. Strength of Materials or solid mechanics are more pertinent disciplines.
 
I'm not sure and I don't feel like checking, but I believe it depends on diameter^3 or even diameter^4. So no, it's FAR from being linear.
 
Exactly, it cannot be linear. Even Hooke's law is valid only for very small deformations. Experimentation is the best way to check or any analysis software
 

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