Why are hollow bones stronger than solid ones?

Answer 1

Summary Controlled Failure of Hollow Rock Cylinders in Uniaxial Compression Detailed consideration is given to the behavior of hollow rock cylinders loaded in uniaxial compression. Elastic stress distributions calculated by the finite element method show that radial stresses are considerably lower in hollow than in solid cylinders, and that the uniformity of the stresses can be improved considerably by using loading platens having the same cross-section as the specimen. Servo-controlled uniaxial compression tests carried out on solid and thick-walled cylinders of white Tennessee marble show no essential differences in the behavior of the two specimen types with similar strengths and fracture phenomena being observed. In tests carried out in servo-controlled, stiff, and conventional machines, the progressive formation of large numbers of short subaxial cracks is followed by the development of macrofractures such as slabbing and shearing well past the peak of the stress-strain curve. SummaryControlled Failure of Hollow Rock Cylinders in Uniaxial Compression Detailed consideration is given to the behavior of hollow rock cylinders loaded in uniaxial compression. Elastic stress distributions calculated by the finite element method show that radial stresses are considerably lower in hollow than in solid cylinders, and that the uniformity of the stresses can be improved considerably by using loading platens having the same cross-section as the specimen. Servo-controlled uniaxial compression tests carried out on solid and thick-walled cylinders of white Tennessee marble show no essential differences in the behavior of the two specimen types with similar strengths and fracture phenomena being observed. In tests carried out in servo-controlled, stiff, and conventional machines, the progressive formation of large numbers of short subaxial cracks is followed by the development of macrofractures such as slabbing and shearing well past the peak of the stress-strain curve. Summary Controlled Failure of Hollow Rock Cylinders in Uniaxial Compression Detailed consideration is given to the behavior of hollow rock cylinders loaded in uniaxial compression. Elastic stress distributions calculated by the finite element method show that radial stresses are considerably lower in hollow than in solid cylinders, and that the uniformity of the stresses can be improved considerably by using loading platens having the same cross-section as the specimen. Servo-controlled uniaxial compression tests carried out on solid and thick-walled cylinders of white Tennessee marble show no essential differences in the behavior of the two specimen types with similar strengths and fracture phenomena being observed. In tests carried out in servo-controlled, stiff, and conventional machines, the progressive formation of large numbers of short subaxial cracks is followed by the development of macrofractures such as slabbing and shearing well past the peak of the stress-strain curve. Summary Controlled Failure of Hollow Rock Cylinders in Uniaxial Compression Detailed consideration is given to the behavior of hollow rock cylinders loaded in uniaxial compression. Elastic stress distributions calculated by the finite element method show that radial stresses are considerably lower in hollow than in solid cylinders, and that the uniformity of the stresses can be improved considerably by using loading platens having the same cross-section as the specimen. Servo-controlled uniaxial compression tests carried out on solid and thick-walled cylinders of white Tennessee marble show no essential differences in the behavior of the two specimen types with similar strengths and fracture phenomena being observed. In tests carried out in servo-controlled, stiff, and conventional machines, the progressive formation of large numbers of short subaxial cracks is followed by the development of macrofractures such as slabbing and shearing well past the peak of the stress-strain curve. Summary Controlled Failure of Hollow Rock Cylinders in Uniaxial Compression Detailed consideration is given to the behavior of hollow rock cylinders loaded in uniaxial compression. Elastic stress distributions calculated by the finite element method show that radial stresses are considerably lower in hollow than in solid cylinders, and that the uniformity of the stresses can be improved considerably by using loading platens having the same cross-section as the specimen. Servo-controlled uniaxial compression tests carried out on solid and thick-walled cylinders of white Tennessee marble show no essential differences in the behavior of the two specimen types with similar strengths and fracture phenomena being observed. In tests carried out in servo-controlled, stiff, and conventional machines, the progressive formation of large numbers of short subaxial cracks is followed by the development of macrofractures such as slabbing and shearing well past the peak of the stress-strain curve. Summary Controlled Failure of Hollow Rock Cylinders in Uniaxial Compression Detailed consideration is given to the behavior of hollow rock cylinders loaded in uniaxial compression. Elastic stress distributions calculated by the finite element method show that radial stresses are considerably lower in hollow than in solid cylinders, and that the uniformity of the stresses can be improved considerably by using loading platens having the same cross-section as the specimen. Servo-controlled uniaxial compression tests carried out on solid and thick-walled cylinders of white Tennessee marble show no essential differences in the behavior of the two specimen types with similar strengths and fracture phenomena being observed. In tests carried out in servo-controlled, stiff, and conventional machines, the progressive formation of large numbers of short subaxial cracks is followed by the development of macrofractures such as slabbing and shearing well past the peak of the stress-strain curve.

Answer 2

[strike]It is not. The strength of steel is not dependent on its shape.[/strike]

Mass for mass a hollow bar will be stronger than a solid bar. While the actual material properties do not change its 'second moment of area' or 'polar moment of inertia' does change, this is the materials ability to resist change from torsion/bending forces. This is determined by the cross-sectional shape of the bar.

Take a 50mm x 50mm piece of steel. Keeping these dimensions, the solid bar will be stronger than a hollow piece. If you want a hollow piece that is as strong as the solid piece you only have to increase the dimensions by a fraction, resulting in a much lighter but equally as strong piece.

Strong maybe isn't the best word to be using, engineers may throw a fit. It's not to be confused with material properties that use 'strength' (tensile strength, yield strength etc). In my example above the material stays exactly the same, except for its size + shape.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Hollow bones are stronger than solid bones because their structure provides strength while being lightweight. The hollow space in the bone allows for optimal strength-to-weight ratio, enabling birds and certain animals to fly more efficiently. Additionally, the hollow structure helps distribute stress more evenly along the bone.

Answer 4

They usually aren't, but they can have a much better strength to weight ratio.

Answer 5

its density