The calculation models and typical sections of exposed penstocks in hydropower station are illustrated based on mechanical mechanism and the bearing characteristics. On the basis of the calculation models of exposed penstocks, stresses on four typical sections of exposed penstocks in hydropower station are analyzed by analytical and finite element methods. The similarities and differences between the two methods and the stress mechanism of the exposed penstocks are revealed according to contrastive analyzing stresses on the four typical sections of the exposed penstocks. The stress characteristics of the size of the supporting ring and stiffening ring are studied, and the influence of the supporting ring and stiffening ring on these two typical sections is analyzed and discussed. The results show that, with the increase of the ratio of height to thickness of supporting ring and stiffening ring, the Mises stress values of stiffening ring and supporting ring and their adjacent pipe wall elements decrease gradually. Moreover, the stress of the supporting ring and stiffening ring of exposed penstocks in hydropower station is complex. Meanwhile, the equivalent stress values obtained by the analytical method are greater than the values obtained by the finite element method, and there are some unreasonable places. Therefore, it suggests that the finite element method should be used for the stress analysis of the exposed penstocks in hydropower station. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]