Simple Beam Properties

To analyze a simple beam and create the diagrams:

1.	Select Machine Design > Simple Beam.

The Simple Beam dialog box opens.

2.	Click Set Beam Properties.

The Beam Properties dialog box opens.

3.	Specify the beam properties, and then click OK to close the Beam Properties dialog box. The simple beam graphic is automatically updated.

To add to the list of available units choices, see Adding User-defined Information to Commands.

Parameter	Description
Configuration	Select the support configuration
Beam Length	Enter the beam’s length and select the units
Left Support Distance	Enter the distance of the left support from the left side of the beam
Distance Between Supports	Enter the distance between the supports
Section Modulus	Enter the section modulus value and units for the beam
Moment of Inertia	Enter the moment of inertia and units for the beam
Modulus of Elasticity	Enter the value of the modulus of elasticity and units for the beam
Calculation Interval	Enter the value at which to calculate and display stresses and other information
Deflection Units	Set the units for calculating the deflection

4.	Click Define Loads on the Simple Beam dialog box.

The Add/Remove/Change Loads dialog box opens.

5.	Select the Load Units.

The Length Units value defaults from the Beam Properties dialog box. The Distributed Load Units and Moment Load Units values default from both the Load Units field and Beam Properties dialog box.

6.	Select the checkbox next to Load # 1. Select the load Type from the list. Enter a value for each of the available fields for this load.

7.	Enter the necessary values for each additional load, and then click OK.

The simple beam graphic is automatically updated.

8.	In the Simple Beam dialog box, click Calculate Reactions, and then click Calculate Stresses and Deflection. Click OK.

Shear, Bending Moment, Slope, and Deflection diagrams are created based on the information provided. The maximum values of vertical shear, bending moment, flexural stress, and deflection are calculated and displayed.

Click any of the buttons on the Simple Beam dialog box to enter new drawing parameters. The simple beam diagram is automatically updated for analysis.