Discussion of "Simple Mechanical Model of Curved Beams by a 3D Approach"

The authors present a formulation of the static linear behavior of a non-homogeneous plane beam with large curvature: the displacement field is derived from the hypothesis of a rigid cross section in its plane (for axial and bending effects) and from a “pure torsion” case (for non-uniform torsion). Shearing strain is not taken directly into account so that shear forces are considered to be reactive. The governing equilibrium equations are derived from the Theorem of Minimum total Potential Energy. This discussion focuses on several consequences of the proposed theory with the aim to elucidate some aspects of the 3D behavior of a curved beam. (Discussion submitted to Journal of Engineering Mechanics ASCE, unpublished).