Combining loads and stresses is a difficult task. We’ve all learned Mohr’s circle in college, but there was so much information presented. We’ve boiled it down to what you actually need to know and how to apply it.

Now, let’s go into a little more depth with curved beams and calculate the stress on some popular sections. Let’s find out which sections are smart for curved beams and which ones to avoid.

Many beams behave like curved beams. Curved beams are unique in that they have high stress concentrations and you can easily make them worse if you are not careful. This video gives a brief overview of what to look for.

In this video, Corey shows you how to calculate the stresses on a curved beam.

Torsion can be a very simple stress to calculate. On a closed section, like a round tube, it has a very simple formula. On an open section, like a lattice boom, it behaves a dramatically different way.
Let’s explore this more.

If you are not expecting it, transverse shear and creep up on you. I experienced this in my roller coaster, when the roll back preventers were splitting along the center. Find out what you need to know here.

By itself, bending stress calculations don’t take buckling into consideration. If missed, you could have a weak section. Watch to find out how we address how to deal with these sections.

While we didn’t go through the process of determining the amount of section that needs to be taken out. This video recommends a resource that will help you with the process (Section 3.6)