Beam Diagrams

Creates shear, moment, torque, or axial force diagrams for beams or axial force diagrams for trusses. Beam diagrams are generated in the local directions for each beam.

Display

• Component : For beams, select: Axial Force, Shear Force in Dir 1, Shear Force in Dir 2, Moment in Dir 1, Moment in Dir 2, or Torque. For trusses, only Axial Force is available. Click here for information about beam directions.

• Units . Select the units of the diagram.

• Render beam profile. Displays beam diagrams on actual beam geometry as opposed to cylinders.

Selected Beams

• All. Select all beams.

• Select. Select beams in the graphics area. The software considers only Selected Beams.

• Beam Diagram Width Control the width of beam plots for better visibility.

Property

• Include title text. If checked, type a custom title for the plot.

• Associate plot with name view orientation. Allows you to associate a predefined view orientation with the active plot.

To show beam directions for an active beam diagram:

1. Right-click a beam diagram icon and select Settings .

2. In the PropertyManager, under Deformed Plot Options, select Show beam directions.

3. Click .

Beam directions are shown at the center of each beam. All beam diagrams use the shown directions for each beam.

Examples

• Shear and moment diagrams generated for a Fixed-Fixed beam subjected to a uniformly distributed loading:

• Shear and moment diagrams generated for a Simply-Supported (both ends are immovable) beam subjected to a uniformly distributed loading: