  We analyze stability of a thin inextensible elastic rod which has
non-vanishing spontaneous generalized torsions in its stress-free state. Two
classical problems are studied, both involving spontaneously twisted rods: a
rectilinear beam compressed by axial forces, and a circular ring subjected to
uniform radial pressure on its outer perimeter. It is demonstrated that while
spontaneous twist stabilizes a rectilinear rod against buckling, its presence
has an opposite effect on a closed ring.

Soft Condensed Matter