List of loading geometries

Tie in Tension

Estimates the minimum strength and stiffness values required for a tie with the specified geometry and load conditions.

The following assumptions are made for the Tie in Tension calculations:

• Bar is straight with uniform cross section
• Material is homogeneous
• Uniform stress distribution is achieved

Beam in Bending

Estimates the minimum strength and stiffness values required for a beam with the specified geometry and load conditions, and its Shape Factor.

The following assumptions are made for the Beam in Bending calculations:

• Material is homogeneous and exhibits the same stiffness in tension & compression
• The beam is nominally straight, with uniform cross section
• Beam is long in proportion to its depth. Minimum length/depth ratio varies as follows:
• • Metal beams with compact section = 8
  • Beams with relatively thin webs = 15
  • Rectangular timber beams = 24

Shape Factor can be calculated for the following cross-sections: Rectangle; Rectangle, hollow; Circle; Circle, hollow; Ellipse; Ellipse, hollow; Triangle; I-section; T-section, x-axis; T-section, y-axis; U-section, x-axis; U-section, y-axis.

Panel in Bending

Estimates the minimum strength and stiffness values required for a panel with the specified geometry and load conditions.

The following assumptions are made for the Panel in Bending calculations:

• Material is homogeneous
• Panel is flat and has uniform thickness
• Thickness is not more than one quarter of least transverse dimension
• Maximum deflection is not more than the panel thickness
• All loads and reactions are normal to the panel

Shaft in Torsion

Estimates the minimum strength and stiffness values required for a shaft with the specified geometry and load conditions.

The following assumptions are made for the Shaft in Torsion calculations:

• Material is homogeneous
• Shaft is straight and has uniform cross section
• Shaft is only loaded by equal and opposite twisting forces applied at its ends
• End sections are free to distort (i.e. not constrained)

Column in Compression

Estimates the minimum strength and stiffness values required for a column with the specified geometry and load conditions, and its Shape Factor.

The following assumptions are made for the Column in Compression calculations:

• Material is homogeneous
• The column is straight and has uniform cross section
• Column is subjected to concentric and axial end loads
• Failure does not occur by localized buckling of thin sections

Shape Factor can be calculated for the following cross-sections: Circle; Circle, hollow; Rectangle; Rectangle, hollow; Ellipse; Ellipse, hollow; Triangle.

Helical Spring

Estimates the strength and stiffness values required for a helical spring with the specified geometry and load conditions.

The following assumptions are made for the Helical Spring calculations:

• Material is homogeneous
• Wire has uniform cross section