'Slackline' equipment load formula (weighted line between 2 fixed points)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the load of Slackline equipment, specifically considering the length of the line, the sag of the line, and the weight applied. Participants highlight that existing formulas, such as those found on Slackline Express and other referenced articles, inadequately account for the width of the webbing, which introduces complexities due to torque and tension. The consensus is that a more comprehensive formula is necessary to accurately reflect the dynamics involved in Slacklining.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Slackline dynamics and equipment
  • Familiarity with torque and tension principles
  • Basic knowledge of physics related to forces and loads
  • Experience with mathematical modeling of physical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced Slackline load calculation methods
  • Explore the impact of webbing width on tension and torque
  • Study the physics of forces in non-linear materials
  • Investigate existing Slackline safety standards and guidelines
USEFUL FOR

Athletes, engineers, and safety professionals involved in Slacklining, as well as those interested in the physics of load calculations in sports equipment.

eliotwebb
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hello,

I have a real world sports question I need help with:

I am looking for an accurate formula to calculate the load of Slackline equipment (will explain shortly), based on:

- The length of the line
- The sag of the line
- The weight on the line

Slacklining is like tight rope walking, but on a slack ribbon (usually 1 inch wide webbing)

There are various arguments on which is the best formula:

http://slack.e30tuner.com/articles_linetension.php

http://forum.slackline.com/archive/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1279&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

http://www.slacklineexpress.com/force.php

I thought it was worth a post to see what you all think.

Thanks for having a look,

Eliot
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
G'dday, Elliotwebb and welcome to Physics Forums.

Firstly let me admit to knowing nothing about the sport of slackline walking.

However from your description of the webbing and the picture in your third reference I would say that all are seriously deficient.

I say this because the line has appreciable width, whereas all the links assume a 'thin' stringlike model.

The point of this is that the width of the webbing is sufficient to transmit torque as well as tension (you can see that in the picture).
The addition of stresses due to both torque and tension being present is more complicated and clearly depends upon the relative values of each.

go well