what are the main factors which caused the bridge to swing violently.
2006-11-13 02:24:05 · 3 answers · asked by me ! 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
the engineers did not account for the phenomena of mechanical resonance.
2006-11-13 02:34:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Eddies of air were formed underneath the bridge deck, creating high pressure areas. So the deck lifted like an airplane wing. The swing was not enough to cause the bridge to come apart. Rather, the lift action caused the bridge deck to start twisting. It was this twisting action that tore the bridge apart. The cross section of the bridge lacked sufficient rigidity to resist the twisting motion.
Technically, it was not resonance but a phenomenon called flutter.
2006-11-13 12:54:28 · answer #2 · answered by Stan the Rocker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is called the Tacoma Narrows bridge. It not only shook violently but broke apart in places. It has been replaced and a secon bridge is currently nearing construction immediately adjacent to the older bridge. Main cause was poor design that did not account for wind shear.
2006-11-13 10:36:33 · answer #3 · answered by ironduke8159 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋