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For Engineers · Beam Deflection

Beam Deflection for a portal frame

Built for engineers using it for real design work. Go from concept to a running model in the browser, then scale to the cloud when needed. Simulate a portal frame live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Beam Deflection & BendingLive

Euler-Bernoulli beam theory

Controls

Presets

Span L (m)

Load P (kN)

Flexural rigidity EI (kN·m²)

Euler-Bernoulli theory relates a beam's deflection and internal moment to its load, span, and flexural rigidity EI. Deflection grows with the cube or fourth power of span, which is why doubling a span is far worse than doubling the load. Educational tool — not a substitute for a stamped structural design.

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Data Inspector

Max deflection1.30 mm

Max moment12.5 kN·m

Span/deflectionL/3840

Governing equation

δ = \frac{P L ^{3}}{48 E I} = \frac{10 \cdot 5 ^{3}}{48 \cdot 20000} = 1.30 mm

Reading this result: At L/3840 this beam clears the usual L/360 serviceability limit, so strength (not deflection) is likely to govern the design.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this good for engineers?: Yes — this version of "Beam Deflection for a portal frame" is framed for engineers using it for real design work. Go from concept to a running model in the browser, then scale to the cloud when needed.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.