Two-pipe Circumference Problem
Please see attached diagram.
I have an Engineering problem where straps are to be placed around two pipes. I know the diameter/radius of both pipes and the distance from centre to centre of both pipes. From this information, can I calculate the total strap length (this will be made up of two arc lengths around each pipe and two straight portions tangential to both pipes)?
I can draw it each time, but it would be useful to have an equation and having failed to work it out myself, I am now intrigued as to whether it can be done!
I looked at it as a problem of lots of right-angled triangles. I know I need to calculate the angle of the straight portions of the strap, but I lost my way a bit. Does anybody fancy having a go?!