The Tacoma Narrows Fallacy

The video debunks the common misconception that the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed due to resonance with the wind. Instead, it explains that the real cause was aeroelastic flutter, a phenomenon where wind causes structures to twist and vibrate until they fail. The video also clarifies that vortex shedding was not responsible for the collapse. Aeroelastic flutter can affect not only bridges but also airplane wings, though it hasn't caused commercial airplane failures since the 1960s. The video concludes with a fun fact about a swing set in Argentina, which swings due to aeroelastic flutter, not ghosts.

Explain the concept of resonance and how it relates to vibrations.

What is the primary reason for the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge?

What is aeroelastic flutter and how does it differ from vortex shedding?

Describe the process that leads to a bridge fluttering itself into destruction.

What other structures or objects can be affected by aeroelastic flutter?