Daffodils help inspire design of stable structures
Tuesday, May 10, 2016 - 10:00
in Physics & Chemistry
In 1940, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed in dramatic fashion, twisting in the wind before it snapped and plunged into the water below. As wind blew across the span, the flow induced oscillating sideways forces that helped bring down the bridge—just months after opening. This type of side-force oscillation can also damage antennae, towers and other structures.