Science 101: How can wind cause a bridge to collapse?

by: William C. Robertson, Ph.D.

First, you might need evidence that wind can cause a bridge to collapse. To see the evidence, put “Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse” into any internet search engine. Using this example from 1940 and a series of hands-on activities that demonstrate flexibility, the author explains how the role of special frequencies known as resonances or normal modes of vibration can impact a suspension bridge.

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Type Journal ArticlePub Date 11/1/2009Stock # sc09_047_03_50Volume 047Issue 03

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