Catenary

Is it possible to build a catenary rope span?
A flexible prim that conforms to physics and hangs down the correct way when suspended between two fixed points.
As an extension to the question can such an object, if it can be made, respond correctly to adding weight to a hanger on the rope?

No, Sorry.

Flexies can only be linked on one end, so they are only good for things that hang down with a loose end. even then, they only respond to forces set in their parameters, not specifically any physical forces from other avatars/objects. You could simulate the look of such an item, with curved, ridgid prims, but a true hanging bridge is beyond SL's current capabilites.

Thanks for the prompt reply.
If I cant have a catenary from a flexible prim is it possible to make a section of a football (NFL type) which consists of a thin strip of the length (lower half only). What would be great if I could blow up (sorry inflate, security sensitive) the football to make it it sag down?

I don't think you can make a real catenary, but you could use 2 flexible prims attached back to back at the center, then set the Z force on both of them to a negative number so they both curve up.

You'd have to place it manually so the ends hit the correct end points though.

Alternatively, build a scultie of the correct shape.