A strut is a structural component designed to resist longitudinal compression. Struts provide outwards-facing support in their lengthwise direction, which can be used to keep two other components separate, performing the opposite function of a tie. They are commonly used in architecture and engineering, for instance as components of an automobile chassis, where they can be passive braces to reinforce the chassis and/or body, or active components of the suspension.
An automotive suspension strut combines the primary function of a shock absorber (as a damper), with the ability to support sideways loads not along its axis of compression, somewhat similar to a sliding pillar suspension, thus eliminating the need for an upper suspension arm. This means that a strut must have a more rugged design, with mounting points near its middle for attachment of such loads.
The most common form of strut in an automobile is the MacPherson strut. MacPherson struts are often purchased by the automakers in sets of four completed sub-assemblies: These can be mounted on the car bodies as part of the manufacturers' own assembly operations. The MacPherson strut combines a shock absorber and a spring in a single unit, by means of which each wheel is attached to the car body.
Lift struts were commonly used in early aircraft to support wings, stabilizers, control frames in gliders and hang gliders, and in landing gear. Since the 1930s they were mostly replaced with cantilever constructions, and became rare except in light aircraft. These structural members are frequently loaded in tension, but may vary between tension and compression as the aircraft maneuvers.
Struts are still widely used to attach the landing gear, particularly in retractable-gear aircraft, and provide damping during the takeoff and landing roll; here they are often called oleo struts.
Transportation-related struts are used in "load bearing" applications ranging from both highway and off-road suspensions to automobile hood and hatch window supports to aircraft wing supports. In vehicle suspension systems, struts are most commonly an assembly of coil-over spring and shock absorber. Other variants to using a coil-over spring as the compressible load bearer include support via pressurized nitrogen gas acting as the spring, and rigid (hard tail) support which provides neither longitudinal compression/extension nor damping.
Strut Channel made from Steel, Aluminium, or Fibre-reinforced plastic is used heavily in the building industry and is often used in the support of Cable Trays and other forms of Cable Management, and pipes support systems.
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