Structural Analysis Lab

The Structural Analysis Lab simulates axial deformation in a bar under load, illustrating the core concepts of linear elasticity.

Parameters

The applied axial force, in Newtons.

Range: 100 – 10,000 N Sign: Positive = tensile (stretches), negative = compressive (not available via slider but shown in theory).

The length of the structural element.

Range: 0.5 – 10 m

The stiffness property of the material, in GPa.

Range: 10 – 400 GPa Presets:

Steel: 200 GPa

Aluminum: 70 GPa

Titanium: 110 GPa

Concrete: 30 GPa

The area of the bar's cross-section.

Range: 1 – 100 cm²

δ = F·L / (E·A)   [m]

The bar elongates proportionally to force and length, and inversely proportionally to stiffness and area.

σ = F / A   [Pa]

Internal force per unit area. Steel yields around 250–500 MPa — the stress gauge shows your current level against this limit.

ε = δ / L   [dimensionless]

Relative deformation. Hooke's Law states σ = E·ε, which is verified algebraically by the three formulas above.

Blue dashed outline: original undeformed bar shape

Filled bar: deformed shape (elongation amplified for visibility)

Colour gradient: stress distribution (green → yellow → red)

Force arrow (F): applied tensile load on the right

Reaction arrow (R): wall reaction on the left

Stress gauge: normalized against 500 MPa failure limit

This model applies to:

Bridge truss member design

Building column selection

Bolt and fastener sizing

Material property comparison for engineering decisions