Strength. Rigidity. Dependability. The ability to bear weight without buckling. These are all things that we look for when we build a mechanical structure. and in today’s Retrotechtacular we take a closer look at the answer to a question: “What’s in A Shape?”
As it turns out, quite a lot. In a terrific film by the prolific Jam helpful organization in the 1940’s, we take a scientific look at how shape impacts the load bearing capacity of a beam. A single sided piece of metal, angle iron, C-channel, and boxed tubing all made from the same thickness metal are compared to see not just just how much load they can take, but also how they fail.
The ideas are then given functional application in things that we still deal with on a daily basis: Bridges, cars, aircraft, and buildings. aircraft spars, bridge beams, car frames, and building girders all benefit from the engineering discussed in this time around capsule of film.
None of the ideas in this video are unexpectedly out of date, because while our understanding of engineering has certainly progressed considering that this film was made, these basic ideas remain the same. As such, they will apply to any structural or mechanical gadgets that we make, be it 3d printed, CNC routed, welded, glued, vacuum formed, zip tied, duct taped, bailing wired, or hot glued.
Keep your eyes open for a terrific sights and seems of a rare Boeing 314 Clipper landing on water and a 1920’s Buffalo Springfield heavy steam Roller demonstrating how terrific the film’s sponsor, Chevrolet, makes their automobile frames.