How do I simulate a truss bridge?

Open this page and use the live Pump & System Curves tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a truss bridge from your own measurements.

Use case · powered by Pump & System Curves

Pump & System Curves for a truss bridge

Simulate a truss bridge live in your browser. This runs the real Pump & System Curves solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

Pump & System CurvesLive

finding the operating point

Controls

Presets

Pump shutoff head H₀ (m)

Pump droop k

Static head (m)

System resistance c

A pump delivers less head as flow rises; a piping system needs more head as flow rises. They meet at exactly one operating point — the flow and head the system will actually run at. Educational tool.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Operating flow0.183 m³/s

Operating head23.3 m

Governing equation

H_{p} = H_{0} - k Q^{2} = 50 - 800 Q^{2}, Q^{*} = \frac{H _{0} - h _{s}}{k + c _{s}} = \frac{50 - 10}{800 + 400} \approx 0.183 \frac{m ^{3}}{s}

Reading this result: Pump and system curves cross at about 0.183 m³/s and 23.3 m — the one flow-head pair where supply meets demand.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

About this simulation

The full Pump & System Curves tool models a truss bridge with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with Pump & System Curves

Pump & System Curves for a cantilever balcony Pump & System Curves for a bridge girder Pump & System Curves for a floor joist Pump & System Curves for a roof rafter Pump & System Curves for a steel beam Pump & System Curves for a timber deck Pump & System Curves for a crane boom Pump & System Curves for a retaining wall

Other ways to simulate a truss bridge

2D Fluid (CFD) for a truss bridge 3D CFD for a truss bridge 3D FEA Space Frame for a truss bridge FEA Truss for a truss bridge Meshing + BCs for a truss bridge RLC Circuit for a truss bridge

Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a truss bridge?: Open this page and use the live Pump & System Curves tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a truss bridge from your own measurements.