Creating a Beam

A beam is a long, thin object with a constant cross-section. Defining objects as beams, rather than modeling them as solid geometry, simplifies the model and analysis.

To create a beam:

  1. Create objects to define the beam path.
    One or more of the following methods can be used in the same design:

    • Sketch curves: Use any of SpaceClaim's sketching tools to create straight or curved segments and then assign beam profiles to them. These sketch curve beams can then be modified just like any curve in SpaceClaim using the Move, Pull, Select, Scale, Bend, Extend, and Trim tools. This method is a straightforward, lightweight way to create beam structures.

    • Edges of a solid or surface: Use this method when you have solid geometry that you want to reference for the beams. For example, to create a simple rectangular cage of beams, sketch a rectangle, pull it into a solid, and assign beams to all of the edges.

    • Two points or midpoints in a model: You can use any two points in a model to define a straight beam segment. Planes can be used to create "stages" or additional locations for defining beams to or from. A beam can be created to the intersection point of any plane with any edge.

  2. Click Profiles in the Beams group on the Prepare tab.
    This tool enables you to add a profile to your structure.
  3. Select a profile from the library or click More Profiles to load a profile that is saved as an SCDOC file.
    See Changing beam profiles.
    Note: More than one beam can reference the same profile, so the characteristics of all beams that use that profile will change if you edit the profile.
  4. Click Create in the Beams group on the Prepare tab.
    The Create tool is enabled when you select a profile, which adds the profile to your design document. This tool enables you to create the beam path.
  5. Select edges or points to define the path:

    • Click the Select Point Chain tool guide and then select an edge or curve, or select a series of points to create the path.

    • Click the Select Point Pairs tool guide and then select a beginning and end point for the path.

      You can use intersection points and midpoints on edges and other beams. Click the small triangles on the ends and midpoint when you hover over an edge or beam.

    See Creating a beam.

A Beams folder is created for the beams and a Beam Profiles folder is created for the profiles in the Structure tree:

The profile name is displayed in parentheses after the beam name in the Structure tree.

If you have already modeled the beam you can convert it to a beam object. See Extracting a beam from a solid.