Form-finding : Force Density

Force density form-finding is a method of form-finding cable networks. The tension in each link of the network is made proportional to its length. The form that is found is that giving the minimum strain energy i.e. the form that minimises the sum of the squares of the lengths of the links multiplied by the stiffnesses of the links.

The procedure is the same as for soap film form finding, except that force density properties are defined instead or as well as soap film and real properties. When force density form finding is selected in the Analysis Wizard, the program uses force density properties where these exist.