Explore the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator
Move a load along a beam, see deflection, the bending moment diagram and whether it stays safe. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Beam Bending & Stress Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator?
Move a load along a beam, see deflection, the bending moment diagram and whether it stays safe. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Floors, bridges, aeroplane wings and shelves are all beams sized with these equations.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Deflection depends on load, length, material stiffness E and the second moment of area I.
A deeper beam is much stiffer because I = b h³ / 12.
The bending moment is largest under or near the load.
Compare steel and timber.
Double the beam height.
Switch to a cantilever and move the load to the tip.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Engineering learners
Engineering and technology students, makers, robotics clubs and teachers of design and technology.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Double the beam height. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why are beams tall and thin?
Stiffness grows with the cube of the height, so a tall beam bends much less for the same material.
What is a cantilever?
A beam fixed at one end only, like a diving board.
Is the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Beam Bending & Stress Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Engineering group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Beam Bending & Stress Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 20 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator?
1. In the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator, use the controls to change Supports, Load, Beam length, Point load, Distributed load, and more. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator, pick an option such as Simply supported, Cantilever (fixed), Fixed both ends, Fixed + roller to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator, press "Overload it!", "Show critical section", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Compare steel and timber. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Deflection depends on load, length, material stiffness E and the second moment of area I.
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Try the Beam Bending & Stress Simulator now
Move a load along a beam, see deflection, the bending moment diagram and whether it stays. Free to use.
Try it free