Design Brief:
Sample Designs:
Final Design and Reports:
Conclusion Questions:
1. How does the type and direction of stress applied affect the selection of the material type and the cross-sectional area?
Depending on the direction and type, you would want a more flexible material to counteract any torque applied, and a more brittle and ridged material for force applying in one direction on it. A smaller cross section would be better for direct force, and a wider one would be better for where the structure would normally flex.
2. How can the forces of compression and tension work together to make a stronger bridge?
Because you could design a bridge so that the tension and compression forces completely cancel out so that stress on members and joints are minimal and thus makes the bridge that much more stable and load bearing.
Depending on the direction and type, you would want a more flexible material to counteract any torque applied, and a more brittle and ridged material for force applying in one direction on it. A smaller cross section would be better for direct force, and a wider one would be better for where the structure would normally flex.
2. How can the forces of compression and tension work together to make a stronger bridge?
Because you could design a bridge so that the tension and compression forces completely cancel out so that stress on members and joints are minimal and thus makes the bridge that much more stable and load bearing.