Exploring My Arch Design Bridge: Physics of Spaghetti Structures

[Marghk]

I'm currently in my final year of high school, doing physics. We have been given an assingment about bridge structures. Basically, we build a bridge out of spaghetti, test it and discuss it.

I'm thinking of things in which I can talk about.

I've built an Arch Design Bridge. Mainly due to the fact that the abutments can hold the energy dissipated throughout the bridge. Tension throughout the bridge is diminished due to natural semicircle structure of it.

But so far I only have simplistic things to talk about. Such as weight/Newton conversion, torsion, tension, compression, Strain, Stress etc.

While I'm quite able to do these things, I want to go into depth with some ideas which will really make me stand out from the other peices.

If anyone can help it would be extremely appreciated!

 

[denverdoc]

hmmm. These are all good things to talk about. Now imagine if you're a civil engineer in charge of putting together a bid for a new bridge across a bay. You may only be able to speculate about things like expense, safety, strength of materials, weight of materials, construction issues, effects of tides, high winds, etc. You definitely should mention the Tacoma narrows disaster as that is the bridge event of the 20th century and is an example of aeroelastic flutter phenomenon.

 

[m2003]

I am excited to see that you are exploring the physics of bridge structures through the unique medium of spaghetti. It is a creative and engaging way to understand the principles of engineering and design.

Your choice of an Arch Design Bridge is a great one, as it is a classic and efficient design that has been used for centuries. The natural semicircular shape of the arch is indeed an important factor in its strength and stability. You may want to consider discussing the concept of the arch's "line of thrust," which is the imaginary line that runs through the center of the arch and carries the weight of the bridge down to the abutments. This line of thrust is crucial in ensuring that the weight is distributed evenly and the bridge remains stable.

In addition to the concepts you have mentioned, there are a few other key principles that you can explore in your discussion. One is the concept of load distribution, which refers to how the weight of the bridge is distributed and transferred throughout its structure. This is especially important in a spaghetti bridge, as the individual strands of pasta must work together to support the weight.

You may also want to consider discussing the concept of resonance and its impact on bridge design. Resonance occurs when an object vibrates at its natural frequency, which can cause it to become unstable and potentially collapse. In bridge design, engineers must take this into account and design the bridge to avoid resonance.

Another interesting aspect to explore is the use of materials and their properties in bridge design. Spaghetti may seem like a fragile material, but when arranged in a certain way, it can be surprisingly strong. You can discuss the different properties of spaghetti, such as its tensile strength and elasticity, and how these properties are utilized in your bridge design.

Lastly, you could also touch upon the role of geometry and its impact on bridge design. The arch shape of your bridge is just one example of how different geometric shapes can affect the strength and stability of a structure. You can also discuss how the angle and placement of the spaghetti strands can impact the overall strength of the bridge.

Overall, your exploration of the physics of spaghetti structures is a great opportunity to showcase your understanding of key scientific principles and how they apply to real-world engineering. I encourage you to continue to think creatively and deeply about your bridge design and its underlying physics. Good luck with your assignment!