The angle of repose is a term that refers to the maximum angle at which a granular material can be piled up without collapsing. It is an essential concept in many fields, including geology, civil engineering, and physics. The angle of repose is an important property of materials like sand, gravel, and soil, which are commonly used in construction projects.
Definitions
The angle of repose is defined as the maximum angle at which a granular material can be piled up without collapsing. It is the angle between the horizontal plane and the steepest slope that a material can maintain without sliding down. The angle of repose depends on the physical properties of the material, such as its size, shape, and density.
Origin
The concept of the angle of repose was first introduced by the French physicist and mathematician, Charles-Augustin de Coulomb in the 18th century. He studied the stability of granular materials, and his work laid the foundation for the modern understanding of the angle of repose.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the angle of repose is “the steepest angle at which a sloping surface formed of loose material is stable.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the angle that the plane of contact between two bodies makes with the horizontal plane when the upper body is just on the point of sliding.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “the steepest angle at which a pile of something will remain in place without sliding down.”
Associations
The angle of repose is closely associated with the stability of granular materials, such as sand, gravel, and soil. It is an important concept in geology, civil engineering, and physics, as it helps to understand the behavior of these materials under different conditions.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of the angle of repose include the critical angle of repose, the limiting angle of repose, and the maximum angle of stability.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for the angle of repose, but some related terms include the angle of friction, the angle of internal friction, and the angle of shearing resistance.
The same root words
There are no direct root words for the angle of repose, but some related terms include repose, which means a state of rest or tranquility, and angle, which refers to a geometric figure formed by two lines or planes that meet at a point.
Example Sentences
- The angle of repose of the sand on the beach was about 30 degrees.
- The engineers calculated the angle of repose of the soil to ensure the stability of the building foundation.
- The critical angle of repose of the gravel pile was exceeded, causing it to collapse.
The angle of repose is a fundamental concept in the study of granular materials, and it is essential in many fields, including geology, civil engineering, and physics. Understanding the angle of repose of a material can help to ensure the stability of structures built with it, and it can also provide insights into the behavior of natural phenomena, such as landslides and avalanches.