The Mechanics of Looped Arches with Non-parallel or Angulated Legs

Abstract

The force-deflection characteristics, of two unusual types of multiple loop arch, to vertical and radial displacement, are derived from simple beam theory. Check measurements on enlarged models were in good agreement with the theory presented. The variations in stiffness resulting from changes in the size, shape and geometry of the loops is discussed, and the results compared with behaviour of standard vertical loops.