Theoretical design of frameworks for the support of grids of strained wires

Frameworks used for the support of grid wires in thermionic valves suffer deflections which determine the distribution of tension in the wires of the completed grid. A full mechanical analysis of a loaded framework yields distributions of both wire tension and framework stress. Formulae and sets of curves are presented which are suitable for design purposes. The theory demonstrates the possibility of adopting a novel winding technique which permits the size of the supporting framework to be reduced to an extent unattainable by conventional winding procedure.