video record
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Description
The reason cranes don't fall down is that engineers have applied the principles of mechanics to them. These principles are based on a mathematical analysis of the forces involved. The particular cr...ane examined in the programme was a diagonal jib. The mathematical model starts by simplifying the structure to its bare essentials, illustrated by a physical model in the studio.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: M101, Mathematics: a foundation course
Item code: M101; 24; 1977
Recording date: 24-10-1977
First transmission date: 1978
Published: 1977
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:30
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Producer: David Saunders
Contributors: D.V Edge; Stewart Gartside; Graham Read
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Diagonal-jib; Force; Mechanics; Modelstatics; Parallelogram of forces
Footage description: Stewart Gartside introduces the programme which examines the forces at play in a crane. Graham Read, working from a two dimensinnal version of the crane, works out the forces being exerted on the end of the jib. Stewart checks Graham's analysis of the size of the forces, by testing his prediction on a small model. Graham now works out the size of the forces pulling on a single stay at the back of the crane. Stewart extends this analysis to calculate the forces pulling on two stays. Stewart now talks to Mr D V Edge, of Wharton Cranes, who explains that engineers work from such simplified models when they design cranes. They make similar assumption to those made for the model, and only discard them at a later stage when the design work becomes more complicated. Stewart now examines a different type of crane which has a rope running over a pulley, and which becomes unstable at a certain point. Graham Read analyses the forces at work in this crane and explains why the crane becomes unstable. Stewart checks this explanation on a small model crane.
Master spool number: HOU2659
Production number: FOUM247K
Videofinder number: 2486
Available to public: no