deflection in curved section of railings

huangyhg

deflection in curved section of railings
when analyzing the deflection and maximum post span of curved railings i understand with a large radius i can safely apply the equation for straight railing section. but what is the limit? at what minimum radius does the equation need to be modified? what is the analysis for a curved section of railing? i would think under practical conditions the radius wouldn't be too small anyway and that the curvature would actually decrease the delection. but what happens to the distance between the posts, is it still the rail length? i think i ask enough questions.