Problem

The Toolbox add-in Beam Calculator allows users to perform basic deflection and stress calculations on steel beams with a constant cross section. The Toolbox add-in comes with SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium. For more information on other Toolbox topics, review this article: Comprehensive Toolbox Guide

Solution

1. Open SOLIDWORKS and open a blank part or assembly

2. Go to Tools > Toolbox > Beam Calculator

   

3. Use the slider to select the loading scenario you would like to perform a calculation for.

   

4. Under "Type of Calculation", select "Deflection" or "Stress".

   

5. Choose the beam cross section you would like to use by clicking on the Beams button

   

6. Select an Axis to determine the value in the Moment of inertia or Section modulus box. The axis directions are determined by the orientation of the cross section of the profile shown in the beams dialogue box. Y+ is up; X+ is right.

   

7. Type a value in the rest of the boxes in the Input area except for the one to be solved, and click "Solve". For example, make sure there is a value in all of the boxes except for the Deflection box if you are trying to solve for the deflection.

   

8. Click "Done" to close the Beam Calculator dialog box.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.