Available online
Description
The programme uses models of engineering structures to illustrate their failure modes, under tension, compression, and torsion. Finally a C.E.G.B. pylon is tested to destruction.
The programme uses models of engineering structures to illustrate their failure modes, under tension, compression, and torsion. Finally a C.E.G.B. pylon is tested to destruction.
| Module code and title: | T232, Engineering mechanics: solids |
|---|---|
| Item code: | T232; 05 |
| First transmission date: | 06-07-1980 |
| Published: | 1980 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Tony Jolly |
| Contributors: | Tony Bright; John Dixon; John Short |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Electricity pylons; Engineering structures |
| Footage description: | The programme opens with Tony Bright showing models of three engineering structures, the transmission tower at Alexandra Palace, a C.E.G.B. electricity pylon, and a section of the Severn Bridge. He points out the extensive bracings in each and the forces these are subject to. John Dixon explains what he means by structural components and then, with the aid of an animation, looks at the various forces and failures which these components are subject to. The animation illustrates tension, causing stiffness and strength failure, compression, causing stability failure, and a torsional force, causing bending failure. Dixon demonstrates by subjecting a small piece of wood to each of these in turn. Tony Bright and John Dixon demonstrate the design of compression components by testing some examples in the studio. Three struts of equal mass but with different structure are subjected to increasing loads. The amount of force required to cause failure varies considerably among the three. John Shoi-t, Central Electricity Generating Board, explains some of the engineering considerations which he takes into account when designing a structure such as an electricity pylon. He points out, with the aid of a model of a pylon, the loads which the structure will be subjected to. Film shots of a C.E.G.B. pylon being tested to failure point. Commentary by John Short. Finally, in the studio, John Dixon and Tony Bright are still adding loads to one of the struts in their earlier experiment. This is an extensively braced strut and is still functioning long after the other two have failed. |
| Master spool number: | HOU3374 |
| Production number: | FOUT066E |
| Videofinder number: | 2235 |
| Available to public: | no |
