Which is harder to pull apart, a circle or a triangle?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative strength and difficulty of pulling apart circular and triangular shapes when used as rings for securing an anchor. Participants explore the implications of shape on the forces involved, particularly in the context of load-bearing applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions which shape, circular or triangular, would be more difficult to pull apart when used for securing an anchor, emphasizing the need for understanding forces acting in the opposite direction.
  • Another participant suggests that a chain link shape might be better suited for the application, implying a preference for a different geometry.
  • One participant reiterates the preference for a chain link shape and notes that the triangular ring will be attached at three points, raising the question of which shape would be stronger.
  • A different participant points out that strength is not the only consideration and requests more information about the application and the angles between the connection points.
  • One participant proposes that the triangle will likely be the solution, mentioning that the tension forces in the lines will influence the shape and position of the ring, and introduces the concept of drawing a triangle of forces with equal tension leading to an equilateral triangle.
  • Further questions are raised regarding how the tension lines will be attached to the ring and the radius of the inside corners of the ring in relation to the pin in the shackle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the suitability of circular versus triangular shapes, with no consensus reached on which is definitively stronger or more effective for the application discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the specific application or provided detailed assumptions regarding the forces involved, which may influence the discussion. The relationship between the angles of connection points and the resulting forces remains unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in engineering applications, particularly in load-bearing structures and anchor systems, may find this discussion relevant.

AmateurHour
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In deciding which shape of ring I should use to secure an anchor to an anchor trolley I came across two choices, a circular ring or a triangular ring. While either will surely work, I began to wonder which would be more difficult to pull apart. Most of the information I found is about forces being exerted on the shapes from the outside going in like in the case of a load bearing structure. What I am wondering about is the opposite, how much force it would take to pull each shape apart.
 
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The shape of one link from a chain would be better.
 
anorlunda said:
The shape of one link from a chain would be better.
The ring will be attached at three points so that is why I was wondering which shape would be stronger, a circle or a triangle.
 
There is more to be considered than just strength in selecting between the two shapes. Please provide more information about your application and the angles between the three connection points.
 
The solution will probably be a triangle.

The tension forces in the three lines will determine the shape and the position of the ring or node. You must draw up the triangle of forces. If the three forces are equal, then the triangle will be equilateral and the three force vectors will be at 120° to each other.

How will the tension lines be attached to the ring?
Will the inside corners of the ring have the same radius as the pin in the shackle used to connect the line?
 

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