A catenary angle of which degree ensures safe loading under normal conditions?

A catenary angle of 20 degrees is generally considered optimal for ensuring safe loading under normal conditions. This angle strikes a balance between maintaining sufficient tension in the system while minimizing the risk of excessive strain on the materials involved.

When the catenary angle is too small (like at 10 degrees), there may not be enough tension to properly distribute the load, which could increase the risk of sagging or even system failure. Conversely, angles that are too steep (such as 30 or 40 degrees) may create excessive forces that the system may not be designed to handle, leading to increased wear and potential damage. Therefore, a catenary angle of 20 degrees is widely accepted in practice for providing a safe margin of error and ensuring structural integrity under normal loading conditions.