|
Introduction
The collapse of the Tacoma Narrows suspension bridge in 1940 has led to much research in the area of torsional and vertical oscillation of suspended beams. For many months prior to the destruction of the Tacoma Narrows bridge, it had been oscillating in a purely vertical motion, which seemed relatively harmless. Immediately preceding the collapse of the bridge, however, this vertical motion instantaneously changed to large-scale torsional motion, which eventually caused the collapse of the bridge. There was no consensus on what caused this sudden change.
This project is based on the model proposed by P.J. McKenna in the January 1999 edition of "American Mathematical Monthly". This model was proposed in order to examine the cause of the dramatic shift from purely vertical to torsional motion. The aim of this project is to create a computer simulation of the behaviour that this model predicts, capable of running on the Windows platform. The Bridge simulation is capable of accepting user input in order to choose the physical parameters involved in the model. As such, it is an effective and innovative research tool, as it incorporates a standard Windows graphical user interface (GUI), making it straightforward for a researcher to quickly choose the parameters and observe the outcome.
In short, the aim of the Bridge simulation is to use the power of modern computers to create a new way of looking at a traditional problem. Through it’s simplicity of use, new results can be discovered quickly, and with great ease. It allows the researcher to concentrate on exploring the physical problem, rather than the tedious methods required in order to solve the equations describing that problem. As a teaching tool, it provides an enjoyable way to learn about, and to explore, a physical system.
Also in this project, the aforementioned model proposed by P. J. McKenna has been extended, and this extended model has uncovered new evidence regarding the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows bridge (see "Mathematical Model" section).