Understanding the deflection of a cable under tension with a force applied in the middle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on understanding the deflection of a cable under tension when a force of 1000N is applied at its midpoint. The cable has a Young's modulus (E) of 60 GPa and a cross-sectional area of 7e-4 m². It is established that the length of the cable is a significant factor in determining deflection, and the application of Lami's theorem is relevant for analyzing forces in this context. The conversation also clarifies that while beam bending formulas can provide insights, the behavior of cables under tension requires specific considerations due to their flexibility.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Young's modulus and its application in material science.
  • Familiarity with basic principles of mechanics, particularly tension and deflection.
  • Knowledge of Lami's theorem for analyzing forces in static equilibrium.
  • Concept of beam bending versus cable stretching mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Young's modulus in cable tension calculations.
  • Study the principles of cable deflection and the factors affecting it.
  • Learn about Lami's theorem and its practical applications in engineering.
  • Explore beam bending theory and its limitations in relation to cable mechanics.
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Engineers, physics students, and professionals involved in structural analysis and design, particularly those working with cables and tension systems.

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TL;DR
I have a cable under tension. In the middle of the cable a force is applied. I want to understand the relationship between the force applied, the tension of the cable and the resulting deflection of the cable at the location of the applied force.
With the above in mind, I have a cable of E=60GPa, cross sectional area 7e-4m^2. I want to understand the relationship between the tension applied resisting the deflection of the cable when a force is applied so that the cable will not deflect more than 0.7m in this case. Take the force as 1000N.
Thanks
 
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Would it be correct to say that the force is applied normal to the cable? Would you say that the length of the cable matters?
 
Go to YouTube and search for 'cable deflection'.
 
From "Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain":

cable Roarks.jpg
 
FEAnalyst said:
From "Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain":

View attachment 259449
this applies to beam bending, not cable or wire stretching.
 
Chestermiller said:
this applies to beam bending, not cable or wire stretching.

It's in the table of beam bending cases (with restricted horizontal displacement) but, as they say in the description, due to perfect flexibility this can be treated as a cable.
 
FEAnalyst said:
It's in the table of beam bending cases (with restricted horizontal displacement) but, as they say in the description, due to perfect flexibility this can be treated as a cable.
Oops. Sorry. I mistook that A as an I.
 
The fun comes when the load is applied at a location other than the center.
 

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