A new detailed explanation of the Tacoma collapse and some optimization problems to improve the stability of suspension bridges

Abstract

We give a new full explanation of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse, occurred on November 7, 1940. Our explanation involves both structural phenomena, such as parametric resonances, and sophisticated mathematical tools, such as the Floquet theory. Contrary to all previous attempts, our explanation perfectly fits, both qualitatively and quantitatively, with what was observed that day. With this explanation at hand, we set up and partially solve some optimal control and shape optimization problems (both analytically and numerically) aiming to improve the stability of bridges. The control parameter to be optimized is the strength of a partial damping term whose role is to decrease the energy within the deck. Shape optimization intends to give suggestions for the design of future bridges.