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This has nothing to do with yield strength, which is relevant only where the materials "yields" or plastifies. This is just linear elastic beam bending theory - you have two different beam cross sections in either case with two different moments of inertia. See also my other comment: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8276173

You could fold a piece of fabric like you do the pizza, and it will not keep its shape.

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Sorry, I meant it depends on the elastic modulus. Mechanics was a while ago.

If the model matches the prediction, the model works. The argument is only over what regime. In this regime it matches.

If you read the article it specifically mentions it applies to paper. I expect it would apply to many fabrics as well. When it doesn't it's because it's outside the regime of the model because stress enables significant "stretching".

You could use beam theory as well, and I would be surprised if the author hasn't heard of it, but that doesn't mean it's the only technique available.

Depending on the fabric, you most certainly can.

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