Tension in Cable
Tension in Cable
(OP)
A cable is used to support a large poster (sign), 40ftx110 ft, that will be hanging from the wall of a high rise building. The weight of the poster is about 500 lbs.
If cable is supported at its two ends, how is the tension calculated as a function of mid-span deflection?
Thanks for the help.
If cable is supported at its two ends, how is the tension calculated as a function of mid-span deflection?
Thanks for the help.






RE: Tension in Cable
RE: Tension in Cable
For a perfectly flexible cable, with unstretched length, L, and ends pinned to rigid supports.
Point Load
P = W / (2tanθ)
where
P is the horizontal reaction at the supports
W is the point load at mispan
θ is the included angle between the cable and the horizontal at the supports
for θ < 12 degress, θ = (W/EA)1/3
θ > 12 degress, solve for tanθ - sinθ = W/2EA
Uniform Load
P = wL2 / 8ymax
where
P is the horizontal reaction at the supports
w is the uniformly distributed load on the entire span
ymax is the maximum deflection, = L(3wL/64EA)1/3