The Harmonic Overhang Effect in Stacked Books

[Ulfsark]

Hello,
I'm curious as to the name of a particular "effect."

Imagine a stack of 10 books, uniform in weight and size, each 9 inches across. Now Imagine flaring them out in one inch intervals, forming a staircase. The topmost book is going to be one inch out from the bottom most book, and effectively "floating." What is the name of this? I know its not a keystone, but similar. I understand how it works, but i just don't know the name of it. Thank you :)

A picture of my own creation of the effect can be viewed here: http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu252/ulfsark9/StackedBooks.gif

 

[Bob S]

The standard solution limit is the series 1/2 plus 1/3 plus 1/4 plus 1/5 etc. But a better one was published in Science magazine under the title "The Joys of Longer Hangovers"
Bob S

See longer hangover here (see post #8):
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=305336

 

[Ulfsark]

Harmonic Overhang! Thank you!