Slightly Curved Struts: An Easy Method of Determining the Strength of Awkwardly Shaped Beams or Struts

ALTHOUGH, in general, curved members are “anathema” to the designer of structures, there are occasions on which they are desirable. For instance, curved members in the sides or top of a cabin or fuselage very often lead to a great improvement in the appearance and comfort of an aircraft. Again, spars with flanges of varying thickness have an effective camber, while cranked push ‐ and ‐ pull rods are obvious examples of this type of member. On these occasions an easy method of determining the strength of such a member is very desirable.