Mechanics of Solids, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 16

Curved Beams

16.1 Introduction

There are several practical elements of machines and structures which are curved before bending load is applied upon them. Such examples of members include hooks, chain links, clamps, machine frames etc. Their bent form becomes obvious because cross-sectional dimensions match with radius of curvature in order. While analysing beam for stress in chapter 8 it was assumed that after bending the lengths of upper and lower fibres between two closely chosen cross-sections was equal. In a curved or bent beam this is not the case but the lengths of fibres may differ considerably. In the analysis that follows it will turn out that this difference will affect the stress distribution markedly.

The subject of curved ...