catenary of a free-hanging cable under dead-weight

Description:

• Free-hanging cables and ropes are often used to support a structure, such as stay cables.
• On suspension bridges they are the load-bearing element of the structure.
• In many calculations the influence of the dead-weight of the cable can be ignored, because it is low compared to the other loads.
• In the case of overhead power lines, however, the dead-weight of the cable is relevant to the design of the pylons.
• In SE 110.50a free-hanging cable under the influence of its own dead-weight is investigated.
• A roller chain serves as the cable, and is mounted on two ball bearing-supported chain wheels.
• The chain wheel units are fixed to a cross-arm.
• The spacing between the chain wheel axles can be adjusted horizontally and vertically.
• Weights can be attached to both ends of the chain.
• The maximum sag is measured using scaled rules, and can be compared with calculated values.
• The sag is the distance between the connecting line of the supports and the catenary (see also illustration: “Actual applied cable forces” on the next page).
• All the component elements of the experiment are clearly laid-out and housed securely in a storage system.
• The complete experimental setup is arranged in the frame SE 112.

Technical Details:

Specification:

1. determination of the catenary of a free-hanging cable
2. symmetrical and unsymmetrical experimental setup possible
3. roller chain as cable with 2 ball bearing-mounted chain wheels
4. adjustable chain wheel axle spacing
5. height of a chain wheel adjustable for unsymmetrical experimental setup
6. cross-arm with scale to hold chain wheels and rule to measure vertical sag of chain
7. 2 hangers to load the ends of the chain
8. storage system to house the components
9. experimental setup in frame SE 112

Technical Data:

Roller chain:

• DIN 8187
• length: 2400mm
• weight: 0,95kg/m

Chain wheel, number of teeth: 17

Cross-arm:

• axle base: 600…1000mm
• groove spacing: 50mm

Holder:

• adjustable height of chain wheel: 0…300mm
• hole spacing: 50mm

Weights:

• 2x 1N (hanger)
• 8x 1N
• 6x 5N

Measuring ranges:

• horizontal: 0…1000mm
• vertical: 0…850mm
• graduation: 1mm

Dimensions & Weight:

• L x W x H: 1170x480x178mm (storage system)
• Weight: approx. 29kg (total)

Learning Objections/Experiments:

• determination of the catenary of a free-hanging cable
  • under dead-weight only
  • with additional weights
  • with a symmetrical setup (chain wheels at same height)
  • with an unsymmetrical setup
  • measurement of the sag
  • comparison of calculated and measured values

Scope of Delivery:

• 1 roller chain
• 1 cross-arm with clamp
• 2 chain wheels with holders
• 1 rule
• 1 set of weights
• 1 storage system with foam inlay
• 1 set of instructional material

Accessories:

·         Required: SE 112 Mounting frame

Due to the continuous development of our products, the goods supplied may vary in detail to that illustrated on this Website.