the cables of a suspension bridge as well as the elements of many man-made structures are designed to behave elastically. can anyone briefly explain to me why it is absolutely necessary that such elements function elastically?
Bridges and other man-made structures are subject to extreme forces of nature.
Wind, sound, water, land etc. all apply force to bridges.
If the bridge is inelastic, it will crack.
To understand why it is necessary for elements in suspension bridges and other man-made structures to behave elastically, let's first discuss the concept of elasticity. Elasticity refers to the ability of a material to return to its original shape or size after being deformed by an external force.
In the case of suspension bridges, they are designed to support the weight of the bridge deck and the loads it carries, such as vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, they need to withstand various forces that act on them, such as wind, temperature changes, and vibrations.
When these forces act on a bridge, the cables and other structural elements will experience stress and strain. Stress refers to the internal force generated within a material when subjected to an external load, while strain refers to the deformation or elongation of the material in response to the stress.
If the structural elements of a bridge were made from inelastic materials, such as concrete that does not exhibit significant elasticity, they would be more prone to cracking or permanent deformation when subjected to these forces. Inelastic materials tend to have limited ability to absorb and redistribute the stresses they are subjected to, which can lead to structural failure.
On the other hand, when the cables and other elements of a bridge are designed to behave elastically, they can absorb and distribute the forces acting on them more effectively. Elastic materials have the capability to deform under stress and return to their original shape once the stress is removed. This elasticity allows the structural elements to withstand and adapt to the various forces without suffering permanent damage or deformations.
By designing elements to function elastically, the load-bearing capacity and overall structural integrity of suspension bridges and other man-made structures are enhanced. This elasticity helps prevent the accumulation of stress, redistribution of forces, and offers safety and longevity to these structures.
In summary, the use of elastic elements in suspension bridges and other man-made structures is essential because it enables them to effectively absorb, redistribute, and adapt to the forces acting upon them, ultimately ensuring their strength, stability, and longevity.