1. What is Tension at Midspan for UDL on Parabolic Cable?

Tension at midspan is the total tension acting in a cable at its midpoint when subjected to a uniformly distributed load. For a parabolic cable, this tension can be calculated using a specific formula that considers the load, span length, and maximum sag.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( T_{mid} \) — Tension at midspan (N)
• \( q \) — Uniformly distributed load (N/m)
• \( L_{span} \) — Cable span (m)
• \( d \) — Maximum sag (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the tension at the midpoint of a parabolic cable under uniform loading, considering the relationship between load, span length, and sag.

3. Importance of Tension Calculation

Details: Accurate tension calculation is crucial for cable structure design, ensuring structural integrity, safety, and proper performance under load conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter uniformly distributed load in N/m, cable span in meters, and maximum sag in meters. All values must be positive and non-zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a uniformly distributed load?
A: A uniformly distributed load is a load that is spread evenly across the entire length of the cable with constant magnitude.

Q2: Why is maximum sag important in tension calculation?
A: Maximum sag affects the cable's geometry and directly influences the tension forces within the cable structure.

Q3: Can this formula be used for non-parabolic cables?
A: This specific formula is derived for parabolic cables. Other cable shapes may require different calculation methods.

Q4: What are typical units for these calculations?
A: Standard SI units are used: Newtons for force, meters for length, and Newtons per meter for distributed load.

Q5: How does cable span affect tension at midspan?
A: Tension increases with the square of the span length, making span a critical factor in tension calculation.