Abstract
In this paper, the theory of curved beams is developed by a somewhat different procedure from that customarily employed. Deflections at the centroid are first assumed and then loads and stresses resulting from these deflections are estimated. This process works out in a somewhat more orderly fashion than the conventional development. Throughout, all measurements are to the centroidal axis rather than to the neutral axis. Final results are presented in such a form that satisfactory accuracy may be obtained from slide-rule computations and approximate integration. Hence the procedure is applicable to any section, it being unnecessary first to develop a special formula for each different section. An illustrative example is given. The theory is extended to cover the case of unsymmetrical bending of curved beams. The effects of torsion, which will probably also occur in the generalized case, are not treated. These can be superimposed upon stresses due to bending.
