Why Do Tensile Cables Differ in Thickness?

[jonnybmac]

Homework Statement

Why are cables thin when used as ties? Why are they not equally as thick as say struts?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Is it because when in tension the tie cannot buckle? or because when in tension it cannot shear?

Steel has the same compressive strength as tensile, so why do they differ?

Many thanks for reading

 

[lekh2003]

I have tried looking on several forums on the internet as well as some educational sites and I oddly have no clue why thin wires are better at tying. The question is now stuck on my mind.

Is there anyone working in the practical field who can shed some information on this?

 

[jonnybmac]

I have tried looking on several forums on the internet as well as some educational sites and I oddly have no clue why thin wires are better at tying. The question is now stuck on my mind.

Is there anyone working in the practical field who can shed some information on this?

I think I have cracked it thank you.

When in tension it is only loaded axially so the strength is force the over cross-section area, but in compression you have buckling that stops the member reaching its maximum strength, and that if you look at the bending equation or Euler's column formula, they both rely on the moment of inertia which is affected by shape.

 

[lekh2003]

I think I have cracked it thank you.

When in tension it is only loaded axially so the strength is force the over cross-section area, but in compression you have buckling that stops the member reaching its maximum strength, and that if you look at the bending equation or Euler's column formula, they both rely on the moment of inertia which is affected by shape.

Thanks, I'll look into it.

 

[CWatters]

You could look at the equations or you could play with some copper wire in your hands. See how it feels under tension and compression.