What happens to the tension on each sling as the sling angle decreases?

As the sling angle decreases, the tension on each sling increases substantially. This phenomenon occurs because the load being lifted is distributed among the slings. When the angle between the slings and the horizontal plane decreases, a greater portion of the load's weight is transferred to the vertical component of the sling tension.

In a situation where the angle is very small, the slings have to exert significantly higher tension to support the same amount of vertical load as they would at a larger angle. This is a result of the sine function, where a smaller angle leads to a smaller sine value and thus results in a higher tension needed to maintain equilibrium.

Increasing tension can lead to additional considerations for riggers, such as ensuring that the slings are rated for the increased loads they're experiencing, as well as accounting for potential wear and stress on the equipment. Understanding this relationship is crucial for safe and effective rigging practices.