PRO/MECHANICA

rather than consider a square beam, why not use the section properties for the beam, which are available in the model analysis - x sec analysis tool? then your 'by hand' calc shouls be pretty well bang on and you'll know if your mechanica model is predicting accurately

Thanks John However, eventually i need to put the actual shape in pro/mechanica, it is a thin extruded section with some funny details. I would like to 'benchmark" what i'm doing, so that I can be confident of the results when i am doing the complicated shape. so i would like to do a simple beam with the same constrints and loads, but preferably 3d

Cheers Craig

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The Zen of constraints say: "You don't pick them; they pick you." So, you must ask yourself (perchance to tell us, your spirit guides): 'what constrains my beam (really)' ~ if you can answer that, Sensai Dave says, 'You'll know the chosen when you see them: Physics 101.' (Or, are you having, as yet unrevealed, procedural problem [what button to push to do suchandsuch]!?!) We wait to be enlightened.

thank you for your words of wisdom Sensei Dave. I have in fact worked out the correct constraints for pins, ie allowing the z axis free to rotate. Results line up with expected hand calcs. I now feel free to move onto more esoteric shapes than simple beams, using sketcher to draw them

Cheers Craig