Cross-Section Data
In the Cross-Section Data node you specify the geometric properties of the beam’s cross section. In addition, some stress evaluation properties can be defined.
For 3D models, a default Section Orientation subnode is added, in which you specify the orientation of the principal axes of the section. You can add any number of Section Orientation subnodes if the same section appears with different spatial orientations in the structure.
Cross-Section Definition
Select a Section typeRectangle, Box, Circular, Pipe, H-profile, U-profile, T-profile, C-profile, Hat, or User defined. Then go to the relevant section below to continue defining the section. Each Section type in the table below also has a figure showing the section and its defining dimensions.
Examples of how to work with cross sections: Application Library path Structural_Mechanics_Module/Verification_Examples/channel_beam and Structural_Mechanics_Module/Beams_and_Shells/pratt_truss_bridge
Rectangle
Enter values or expressions for the following.
Box
Enter values or expressions for the following.
Circular
Enter a value or expression for the Diameter do.
Pipe
Enter values or expressions for the following.
H-profile, U-profile, or T-profile
Enter values or expressions for the following.
C-profile
Enter values or expressions for the following.
Hat
Enter values or expressions for the following.
User Defined
The following table lists the basic section properties (some apply in 3D only). The default values correspond to a circular cross section with a diameter of 0.1 m. Enter values or expressions for the section properties.
m2
Izz
m4
ez
Iyy
m4
ey
m4
For 3D models, the orientation of the cross section is given in Section Orientation. If the beam’s cross section is a square or circle (solid or tube), the area moments of inertia are the same independent of direction, so the beam is totally symmetric and the orientation of the principal axes of the cross section is not a problem unless you are interested in looking at results defined using the local coordinate system. Such results are bending moments, shear forces, local displacements and rotations.
Stress Evaluation Properties
This section is only available if User defined is selected as the Section type.
Select the Bending stress evaluation pointsFrom section heights (the default) or From specified points.
Stress evaluation using only section heights is meaningful only when the cross section is symmetric.
The max shear stress factor determines the ratio between the peak and the average shear stress over the cross section as described by Equation 8-3 and Equation 8-4.
From Section Heights
For From section heights enter values in each field for the following parameters as needed for the space dimension:
hy
μy
Wt
m3
μz
From Specified Points
For From specified points enter values in the Evaluation points in local system table as needed for the space dimension. Then enter the following parameters in the applicable fields.
μy
Wt
m3
μz
Shear Flexibility
This section is only available if User defined is selected as the Section type, and the Beam formulation is Timoshenko.
Enter values or expressions for the following.
Location in User Interface
Context Menus
Ribbon
Physics tab with Beam selected: