Mechanics – Cable (Procedure)

1. Locate the lowest point.

By squared property of parabola:
( x 1)2 ( x 2)2
=
y1 y2
2. Cut at the lowest point then isolate one side.
 ∑ Fv , ∑ F x, ∑ M
3. Analyze cable as whole
 ∑ Fv , ∑ F x, ∑ M
4. Maximum tension occurs at the highest support.
5. Minimum tension occurs at the lowest point.
6. Length of cable:

√
x2
w0 x 2
 ∫ 1+(
T0
) dx
x1