Tutorial - Beam Calculator in SOLIDWORKS

Sudhir Gill

20 Feb, 2012 10:58 AM

The Beam Calculator dialog box in SOLIDWORKS performs deflection and stress calculations on structural steel cross sections. Here's how to use it!

1. Step 1: Start SOLIDWORKS

   Start SOLIDWORKS.

   

2. Step 2: Tools

   Tools >> Addins.
   

   

3. Step 3: Enable SOLIDWORKS Toolbox

   Enable SOLIDWORKS toolbox browser. Click OK.

   

4. Step 4: Click Beam Calculator

   Click Beam Calculator in Office products tab.

   

5. Step 5: Change Units to Metric

   The beam calculator dialogue box will appear. Change units to Metric.
   

   

6. Step 6: Select the type of Beam

   Click beam and select the type of beam.
   

   

7. Step 7: Enter the length and load

   Enter the length and load & click Solve.
   

   

8. Step 8: Wait for calculation

   It will calculate the deflection.
   

   

9. Step 9: Calculate the Stress

   Change type of caluclation to stress. And then select the type of beam and enter the value of load and length to calculate the stress.
   

   

10. Step 10: In Summary

    In Summary, working with the Beam Calculator in SOLIDWORKS is easy! Here's how to do it:

    • Start SOLIDWORKS
    • Go to Tools
    • Select Add Ins
    • Enable SOLIDWORKS toolbox browser
    • Click Beam Calculator in Office Tab
    • Change Unit to Metric
    • Select the Type of Beam
    • Enter Length and Load
    • Wait for calculation
    • Add in data to calculate the stress

    
    

    And you're all set!