The Beam Cross Section Interface
The Beam Cross Section (bcs) interface (), found under the Structural Mechanics branch () when adding a physics interface, is used for computing cross-section properties for beams. It can be also used for a detailed evaluation of stresses in a beam when the section forces to which the beam is subjected are known. It is mainly used in conjunction with The Beam Interface.
As input, you give a 2D sketch of the cross section. The computed results are: area, moments of inertia, center of gravity, principal axis directions, torsional rigidity, shear center location, shear correction factors, warping constant, and stress distributions for different load types.
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Using the Beam Cross Section Interface
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Theory for the Beam Cross Section Interface
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Studies and Solvers in the COMSOL Multiphysics Reference Manual
Settings
The Label is the default physics interface name.
The Name is used primarily as a scope prefix for variables defined by the physics interface. Refer to such physics interface variables in expressions using the pattern <name>.<variable_name>. In order to distinguish between variables belonging to different physics interfaces, the name string must be unique. Only letters, numbers, and underscores (_) are permitted in the Name field. The first character must be a letter.
The default Name (for the first physics interface in the model) is bcs.
Domain Selection
For 2D components, select the domains that represent beam cross sections to be analyzed. The default setting is to include All domains in the model to define the cross section. To select specific domains, select Manual from the Selection list.
Boundary Selection
For 3D components, select the boundaries that represent beam cross sections to be analyzed. The default setting is to include All domains in the model to define the cross section. To select specific domains, select Manual from the Selection list. Only boundaries that have an assigned a layered material can be selected.
Beam Properties
For 3D components, this interface is based on the layered technology. The check box Use all layers is selected by default, and for all normal use, it does not have to be changed. The material selection is then implicit in the boundary selection.
Discretization
Select the Element order — Linear, Quadratic (the default), Cubic, Quartic, or Quintic.