Assumptions and remarks, some thoughts:

The chain is made up of many links, so that a small change in the length of the chain will only
cause a negligible change to the length of a link.

The chain is hung, or attached, at two end points, so the length of the chain will be two link
diameters, (=d), longer than the calculated pre-flow length. By using modular arithmetic, dividing
the target curve length+2d by the chain length, will give the integer number of links.

If the remainder fraction is less than or equal to one half link, the length shortage will be made up for
by flow causing a stretching of the chain.

If the remainder fraction is greater than one half link, the number of links will be increased by one.
Flow will cause a shrinkage in the chain length.

The calculated number of links will establish the length of the base curve line used by flow.
The formula is _______________.

The formula(s) for the lengths needed by array factory are ______________.

Assuming that the chain is "attached by two nails," for a chain with twisted links the situation is easier.
For a chain with alternating 90degree rotated links, the pre-flow chain could be twisted by 90 degrees,
if the number of links is even.

For a chain with twisted links, what is the "best" twist axis length?

It is assumed that two links are "hinged" at the pre-flow contact point. That they do not slide sideways.

Does Flow cause the links to bend?

It starts getting complicated...

- Brian