What Dome?

[Spinal]

Starting to look at the firebrick dome for my oven.

Should the dome follow a catenary arch, a circular arch or a parabola?

Also, should I lay a soldier course to raise it, or is there another reason for the soldier course?

Thanks,
M.

[azatty]

Re: What Dome?

Ideally, the dome should be a catenary arch rotated 360 degrees around an axis. If you think about it, you'll realize that a round arch and a parabola both can follow a catenary curve; they just have different equations defining the curve. (Ok, the "cup" of the parabola will be a little off but the springers or sides of the arch can follow the catenary curve--try it with a rope or chain).

The soldier course saves you two extra courses on the dome. The soldier or no soldier discussion is found on multiple other threads. Both designs have successful builds.

[Neil2]

Re: What Dome?

Elliptical arch.

How to construct (draw) an ellipse - Math Open Reference