Calculating the Stress in a Curved Beam for Various Cross Sections

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes only. It should not be used for engineering design or relied upon as engineering advice.

The bending stress analysis of curved beams differs from that of straight beams since the neutral axis shifts towards the inner radius of the beam and the stress distribution is not linear as a function of the distance from the neutral axis. This EngineeringPaper.xyz sheet calculates the stress in curved beams for various cross sections and for combined bending and axial loading. Curved beam stress analysis is commonly required for the design of hooks and springs.

This curved beam stress example sheet may also be opened in a separate tab.