question #16
I am studying tension and compression in support structures such as hammocks and diving boards. The trees supporting a hammock are compression members, and the hammock is a tension member. In the case of a diving board I think the top of the board is tension and the bottom is compression. Similarly, I think a domed structure is all compression (all weight travelling downwards from top centre). In the vertical supports on a swing set there is compression. My question: is the horizontal bar supporting the swings compression, or is it compression on the top and tension on the bottom?
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