The study of statics of continuous bodies kindles special interest when the geometry plays a crucial role and the intuitive guess is not very evident. Here we analyze arc structures in one dimension, or curve axis, when they are subjected to its own weight or to a certain given load. We start from the fundamental principles of equilibrium of forces and obtain general expressions for the bending moments (torques) as well as shear and compression forces inthe structures. In the other hand, we go to the problem of how to find the arc geometry which yields equilibrium, under prescribed conditions. This study which can belong to applied physics, does not intend to have an engineering point of view neither a broad overage, about the arc structures. We consider that this work contains dactic elements of fundamental physical principles, which, translated to the language of vector analysis and calculus, brings us to physical and geometric results that can be interesting both, for its applications as well as for its possible contribution to the understanding of concepts and analysis used.
Uitgever:
Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Latin American Physics Education Network
Tijdschrift beschrijving