Page:Miscellaneous Papers on Mechanical Subjects.djvu/36

28 the thread also depends chiefly on its depths and the proper depth is determined principally with reference to this condition. In the selection of the thread considerable latitude of choice will be found to prevail with reference to all the characters, No definite rule can be given for determining any one of them. It may be manifest that particular threads are too coarse or too fine, too deep or too shallow; but there are intermediate degrees within which the choice of thread like that of the diameter is arbitrary, and must be guided rather by discretion than by calculation.

The mutual dependence of the several conditions required in the thread may be noticed as having a tendency to perplex the choice. Thus increase of power is necessarily attended with diminution of strength. The square thread which has the advantage in respect of power is proportionally weaker than the angular thread. A fine thread loses in strength, while it gains mechanically as compared with a coarser. Deep threads also, while they are more durable than shallow, materially detract from the strength of the bolt.

The selection of the thread is also affected by the mutual relation subsisting between the three constituent characters of pitch, depth, and form. Each of these, as before observed, may be