Belly style for hickory

[Knawbone]

Any one tell me if there is any mechanical advantage to a rounded belly style for a hickory bow, or are they all made flat style.
   Thanks Knawbone

[LESKEN2011]

I'm no expert on hickory, but from what I heard, it is better in tension than compression. That being the case, I would guess flatter belly designs might be somewhat more forgiving although I have seen elb style rounded bellies out of hickory from skilled bowyers turn out OK.

[Red Tailed Hawk]

More compression strength with a flat belly.

[Pat B]

Flat belly for hickory. With a flat belly the stresses are distributed along the entire working portion of the limb but with a rounded belly the compression stresses are concentrated down the crown of the rounded belly.

[Knawbone]

Thanks everyone, My question has been answered by some of the best. Flat it is.