# Catenary

The plane transcendental curve describing the form of a homogeneous flexible string of fixed length and with fixed ends attained under the action of gravity (see Fig.).

Figure: c020790a

In Cartesian coordinates its equation is $$y= \frac{a}{2} \left( e^{x/a} + e^{-x/a} \right) = a \cosh \frac{x}{a}$$

The length of an arc beginning at the point $x=0$ is $$l= \frac{1}{2} \left( e^{x/a} - e^{-x/a} \right) = a \sinh \frac{x}{a}$$

The radius of curvature is $$r= a \cosh^2 \frac{x}{a}$$

The area bounded by an arc of the catenary, two of its ordinates and the $y$-axis is $$S = a \sqrt{ y_2^2 - a^2 } - a \sqrt{ y_1^2 - a^2 } = a^2 \left( \sinh \frac{x_2}{a} - \sinh \frac{x_1}{a} \right)$$

If an arc of a catenary is rotated around the $x$-axis, it forms a catenoid.

#### References

 [1] A.A. Savelov, "Planar curves" , Moscow (1960) (In Russian)
 [a1] J.D. Lawrence, "A catalog of special plane curves" , Dover, reprint (1972)
How to Cite This Entry:
Catenary. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Catenary&oldid=38914
This article was adapted from an original article by D.D. Sokolov (originator), which appeared in Encyclopedia of Mathematics - ISBN 1402006098. See original article