where K is the real quarter period of elliptic functions of modulus
sin 1/2[alpha], and [alpha] is the angle at which the curve cuts the
line of action of the applied forces. Unless the length of the rod
exceeds [pi][root](EI/W) it will not bend under the force, but when
the length is great enough there may be more than two points of
inflection and more than one bay of the curve; for n bays (n + 1
inflections) the length must exceed n[pi][root](EI/W). Some of the
forms of the curve are shown in fig. 24.
[Illustration: FIG. 24.]