The catenoid was discovered in 1744 by the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler and it is the only minimal surface, other than the plane, that can be obtained as a surface of revolution.

How is a catenary formed?

A chain hanging from points forms a catenary. Freely-hanging overhead power lines also form a catenary (most prominently visible with high-voltage lines, and with some imperfection near to the insulators). The silk on a spider's web forming multiple elastic catenaries.

Why is catenary important?

For an arch of uniform density and thickness, supporting only its own weight, the catenary is the ideal curve. Catenary arches are strong because they redirect the vertical force of gravity into compression forces pressing along the arch's curve. ... A significant early example of this is the arch of Taq Kasra.