Why Trucks Don't Hit Power Lines and the Utility of Catenaries to Electric Utilities the Utility of Catenaries to Electric Utilities

Sharon Barrs, Georgia Southern University
James P. Braselton, Georgia Southern University
Lorraine Braselton, Georgia Southern University

Abstract

This demo was motivated by a conversation between Lori Braselton and her father, Charles "Nick" Maruth, Jr. [1] of Davenport, Iowa. He posed the problem:
“Two poles with heights of 100 feet are to be connected by a flexible cable of length 150 feet. How far apart should the poles be placed so that the distance from the bottom of the wire to the ground is 25 feet? HINT: The answer is obvious.”

The "obvious" answer and its not so obvious variations are discussed in this demo.