Skip to content
catenary

File:GaudiCatenaryModel.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

EntityQ214561· pop 38· linked from 316 articles

Also known as funicular, alysoid, funicular curve, chainette

thumb|right|This chain, whose ends hang from two points, forms a catenary. thumb|right|The silk on this spider web forms multiple elastic catenaries.

~27 min read

Encyclopedic overview

27 sections
Contents
  • History
  • Catenary bridges
  • Anchoring of marine objects
  • Mathematical description
  • Equation
  • Relation to other curves
  • Geometrical properties
  • Science
  • Analysis
  • Model of chains and arches
  • Derivation of equations for the curve
  • Alternative derivation
  • Determining parameters
  • Tension relations
  • Variational formulation
  • Generalizations with vertical force
  • Nonuniform chains
  • Suspension bridge curve
  • Catenary of equal strength
  • Elastic catenary
  • Other generalizations
  • Chain under a general force
  • See also
  • Notes
  • Bibliography
  • Further reading
  • External links

thumb|right|This chain, whose ends hang from two points, forms a catenary. thumb|right|The silk on this spider web forms multiple elastic catenaries.

In physics and geometry, a catenary ( , ) is the curve that an idealized hanging chain or cable assumes under its own weight when supported only at its ends in a uniform gravitational field.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “catenary” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.

Gallery (38)