Self-weight catenary

Select polygonal, parabolic, or catenary cable models and reject compression, slack, and invalid support conditions.

Interactive engineering simulation

Cable under Self-Weight

Apply self-weight uniform per cable metre and solve the exact level-support catenary.

Tension only

Model distinction: point loads create straight polygonal segments; load uniform per horizontal metre creates a parabola; self-weight uniform per cable metre creates a catenary. These models are never silently substituted for one another.

Horizontal component H

273.01 kN

Maximum tension

363.01 kN

Left vertical component

239.25 kN

Right vertical component

239.25 kN

Horizontal span24 m

10–60

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Sag below support chord5.00 m

1.00–14.00

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Self-weight per cable length18 kN/m

kN/m

1–50

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Catenary parameter a

15.167 m

Cable length

26.583 m

Support tension

363.01 kN

y=a\cosh\left(\frac{x}{a}\right)-a,\qquad H=w_c a

Model scope and verification

Use the displayed units and idealizations, then verify the governing balance or compatibility equation before interpreting the result.

Cable with one concentrated load Cable with multiple concentrated loads Parabolic cable Suspension-bridge main cable

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