The discussion revolves around a problem involving a simple suspension bridge with a uniform horizontal roadway supported by vertical cables. The problem requires determining the tensions in various segments of the cables, given specific dimensions and mass. Participants are exploring the relationships between the tensions and the geometry of the setup.
The discussion is ongoing, with various participants offering insights and suggestions for approaching the problem. Some have proposed writing equations for forces, while others are considering the implications of the missing information. There is a recognition of the complexity involved in determining tensions based on the provided data.
Participants note that the problem statement may lack critical information regarding the heights of certain points, which complicates the analysis. There is also mention of the assumption that the cables are massless, which affects the interpretation of the given dimensions.
True.insightful said:I'd love to see how the textbook got their answers. Doubling doesn't appear to explain my discrepancy.
These are also the answers I arrived at. (No saying I haven't blundered somewhere, though.)[/color][/size][/color]insightful said:Yes, it would be fun to see if they match mine [(mg/4)sqrt(2) for AB and EF, and (mg/8)sqrt(5) for BC and DE].