Math Monday: Cardboard Catenary Arches

Science
Math Monday: Cardboard Catenary Arches

By George Hart for the Museum of Mathematics

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The shape of a hanging chain is called a catenary curve.  Each link settles in to an equilibrium angle relative to its neighbors, so if you turn everything over, those angles give a plan for blocks which can rest on each other to make an arch in equilibrium. This suggests a fun construction: making giant arches from separate cardboard blocks.

Edward Ebert gives instructions here on how to hang a chain, measure it, and scale up the measurements to large cardboard blocks. If properly made, the blocks rest stably on each other without tape, glue, or clips to join them.

How high a catenary arch can you make?

More:
See all of George Hart’s Math Monday columns

6 thoughts on “Math Monday: Cardboard Catenary Arches

  1. Anonymous says:

    “math monday”™ about Catenary curves and no equation? (i’m shocked…shocked)

    how about:  y = k*cosh(x/k) = (k*(exp(x/k) + exp(-x/k)))/2   

    i leave it for others to post the Taylor series …yep.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Great work, thanks your hardworking!  http://www.squidoo.com/best-2011-givenchy-handbags

  3. Darren McDonald says:

    I would love to have the plans for the catenary arch model. I am a teacher and would like to pass that learning onto my students. Thank you.

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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

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