Building bridges with @physicsfun and our Catenary Arch exhibit!⠀ ⠀ Repost: Catenary Arch at Exploratorium: when an arch is built in the shape of this special mathematical curve (even with slippery blocks) the compression forces between each block are always parallel to the curve- the stack is stable with no tendency to buckle. The catenary is the exact shape of a chain hanging by its ends, also known as the hyperbolic cosine. Famously used in architecture, from the buttresses of Notre Dame to the Gateway Arch. 🌟With special thanks to the Exploratorium! ➡️ Follow the link in my profile for more info and where to find many of the amazing items featured here on @physicsfun #exploratorium #catenary #hyperboliccosine #gatewayarch #alysiod #architecture #catenaryarch #uniformload #physics #physicstoy #science #scienceisawesome