Introduction¶
Welcome to the BeamLab FEM documentation.
BeamLab FEM is an online structural analysis tool based on the finite element method (FEM). It lets you model 2D and 3D frame structures made of beams, apply loads, run the analysis, and inspect the results (internal forces, displacements, rotations and reactions) directly in your browser.
This documentation explains how to build a model, how the calculation works, and how to read and use the results.
What BeamLab can do¶
- Model 2D and 3D beam structures: nodes, beams, materials, cross-sections and supports.
- Choose the beam model that fits your problem: Euler-Bernoulli or Timoshenko (which accounts for shear deformation), in 2D or 3D, with or without warping (Vlasov) for thin-walled open sections.
- Model real connections: fixed connections, hinges, sliding connections and semi-rigid (spring) connections at beam ends, as well as elastic supports.
- Apply loads and combine them: nodal loads, distributed loads, moments and self-weight, organized in load cases and combinations.
- Analyse the results: internal forces along each beam, displacements, rotations and reactions, displayed as diagrams in 2D and in 3D.
- Export your project to Excel (premium accounts).
How an analysis works¶
Each analysis follows the same sequence:
- Model: you define the geometry, the materials, the sections and the supports.
- Load: you define the load cases and the combinations to study.
- Solve: BeamLab divides the beams into elements, builds the stiffness matrix of the structure, applies the boundary conditions and solves the system.
- Read the results: you visualize the internal forces, displacements, rotations and reactions, and export them if needed.
Units and conventions¶
Unless stated otherwise, the interface uses the following units:
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Node coordinates | mm |
| Young's modulus E | MPa |
| Section area A | cm² |
| Second moments of area I | cm⁴ |
| Warping constant Iw | cm⁶ |
| Displacements | mm |
| Rotations | rad |
Results follow a consistent sign convention, described in Visualization & Results. We strongly recommend reading it before interpreting any diagram.
How this documentation is organized¶
General¶
- Introduction: this page.
- Roadmap: features under development and planned for the future.
Modeling¶
- Modeling Elements: nodes, beams, materials, sections, supports and connections.
- Loading & Cases: load types, load cases and combinations.
- Analysis & Solving: beam models, assumptions and how the calculation is performed.
- Visualization & Results: sign convention, internal forces, displacements and rotations, export to Excel.
- Tools & Utilities: additional tools that help you build and check your model.
Other¶
- Account & Project Management: account, saving, organizing and sharing your projects.
Where to start¶
- New to BeamLab? Start with Modeling Elements, then Loading & Cases, and run your first analysis.
- Already have a model? Go directly to Analysis & Solving and Visualization & Results.
- Looking for what is coming next? See the Roadmap.
Important notice¶
BeamLab is a calculation aid. The results depend on the data and the assumptions you enter in the model. As with any structural analysis software, they must be checked and interpreted by a qualified engineer before being used for the design of a real structure.