Funicularity of conics
Résumé
Funicular structures can resist a given load with pure axial forces, and therefore tend to use material very efficiently. One main challenge in their design is the form-finding, which often requires advanced numerical methods. In this article, we show analytically that a very common family of curves, conics, is funicular for a particular load case: a uniform radial load emanating from a focus (Figure 1). The result is a generalization of the well-known funicularity of parabolas and arcs of circles, respectively under uniform vertical load and constant normal pressure. It can be used to design self-stressed structures by hand without the need for calculations. Portions of conics can be combined to obtain original shapes.
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Article Acta Mech - Funicularity of conics_Rev1_03.pdf (2.01 Mo)
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