Beams and Trusses Contents Beams and Trusses Overview You can optimize Simulation performance by modeling structural members with beam elements. Beams Beam Directions When you model a structural member as a beam, the software automatically creates a local coordinate system for the beam. The software lists the beam forces and stresses based on the beam's local coordinate system. Trusses Performing Analysis Using Beams or Trusses Identify Neutral Axis PropertyManager The Identify Neutral Axis tool lets you override the neutral axes of beams automatically selected by the program. Curved Structural Member Invalid Tapered Beams In the Simulation study tree, right-click a solid body and select Treat as Beam. A tapered beam icon appears in the study tree if the solid body has a taper along its length. Parent topicAnalysis Background Linear Static Analysis Frequency Analysis Dynamic Analysis Linearized Buckling Analysis Thermal Analysis Nonlinear Static Analysis Drop Test Studies Fatigue Analysis Pressure Vessel Design Overview 2D Simplification