ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with the out-of-plane flexural-torsional buckling of planar arches, curved beams, and rings which are loaded in-plane. Each of these is curved in its plane, as shown in Figure 13.1. Constant curvature is common, but other profiles such as parabolic may be used. Arches are supported at both ends, usually in such a way that deflections of the ends away from each other are effectively prevented, either by the nature of the supports, or by tie members. Arches whose ends are free to move apart are better described as curved beams. Rings are closed arches with 360° included angles, so that there are no ends.
