Encyclopedia > Catenary

Article Content

Catenary

1. In mathematics, a catenary curve is the curve made by a chain suspended between two points, supporting a constant weight per length. It is the graph of:

y = cosh x

This is not the same as the curve made by a chain supporting a constant weight per horizontal length, as in a suspension bridge; that is a parabola.

2. A catenary structure consists of an overhead cable or cables used to deliver electricity to a railway locomotive, tram or trolleybus.

Featured Article

Great River, New York

... are 104.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.8 males. The median income for a household in the town is $78,399, and the median income for ...