The Identify Neutral Axis tool lets you override the neutral axes of beams automatically selected by the program.
Select Direction
| Edge parallel to neutral axis |
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Select an edge of the beam's body that is parallel to the desired orientation of the new neutral axis. |
Use this tool in cases where the identification of neutral axes by the software may not be accurate. For example, for short structural members with a length to width ratio < 3.
To modify the direction of a beam's neutral axis:
- In a Simulation study, right-click the beam's definition and click Define Beam Neutral Axis.
- For Select Direction, in the graphics area select a beam edge that is parallel to the desired orientation of the neutral axis.
If the edge selection is invalid, a message in the PropertyManager informs you that the beam's section properties are incorrect and prompts you to select a valid edge.
- Click
.