I agree with Jack - think of a bridge arch. The flat section across the top
would be more prone
to collapse downwards (from a vertical load - ie upside down car) than an
arched one - whether
this is significant with the thick wall, relatively large diameter tubing used
in rollbars I
don't know - but the arch certainly wouldn't make matters worse.
If you are thinking of chassis tubes and the general acceptance that they
should be straight -
remember that these are (or should be) totally triangulated and therefore
subjected almost 100%
to end loads only. Not true on the main section of a rollover bar.
Derek
JWoesvra@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 7/8/01 6:24:24 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> larryhoy@prodigy.net writes:
>
> << Is the ingegrity of the main hoop on a roll bar
> compromised by adding the bend that would require to match the contour
> of the MGB stow-a-way top? >>
>
> I don't think so. It would actually be better because there would be an arch
> effect that should be stronger than a straight piece. That is why side bars
> are arched out. They are very strong as long as the fixing points can't move.
> An arched main hoop should have a fore and aft support to keep it from
> folding though.
>
> jw
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