BeamForge SectionLab

BeamForge SectionLab is a 2D cross-section modeling and geometric analysis tool designed for engineers, designers, educators, and students. Far more than a simple calculator that returns a single result based on input parameters, it offers a comprehensive, intuitive, and interactive workflow: draw shapes, combine material regions, create voids, calculate centroids and moments of inertia, transform sections, and save or compare different design options. Users can construct custom cross-sections using basic shapes such as rectangles, circles, L-shapes, T-shapes, and I-shapes. Each shape allows for independent adjustment of dimensions, coordinates, rotation angles, and Boolean operation types. Through ADD and VOID operations, users can rapidly create sections with holes, asymmetric profiles, composite sections, and other complex 2D geometries. Key Features • Interactive Section Drawing Create, select, and move section components on a mathematical grid canvas. Supports dimension editing, coordinate adjustment, rotation, grid snapping, and alignment aids. • ADD and VOID Operations Construct composite sections using positive and negative areas. Circular holes, slots, and other cutouts are treated as negative areas in the calculation of centroids and section properties. • Real-time Centroid Analysis Automatically calculates composite area and centroid coordinates (X and Y), while visualizing the process through area decomposition, first moments of area, component contributions, and a dynamic equilibrium beam model. • Section Moments of Inertia Calculates Ix, Iy, and Ixy; applies the parallel axis theorem; and determines principal moments of inertia, principal axis orientations, and principal angles. • Rotational Coordinate System Analysis Drag the angle controller to view Ix′, Iy′, and Ix′y′ in a rotated coordinate system in real-time, helping users understand how the section's inertia tensor changes with orientation. • Section Mohr's Circle Visually demonstrates the transformation relationships of moments of inertia using Mohr's circle, while simultaneously analyzing reference angles, principal moments of inertia, and principal axis orientations. • Section Modulus and Radius of Gyration Calculates geometric section moduli based on user-defined extreme fiber locations; provides data for rx, ry, and the radius of gyration along principal axes. • Geometric Transformation Workbench Supports rotation, mirroring, arraying, and global scaling. All transformations update the section geometry, centroid, and moment of inertia, and are recorded in the geometric operation history. • SectionBook Save the current section as a project variant, browse through different section options, and select two sections for side-by-side comparison. • Difference Lens Visualize geometric differences between two variants using a draggable comparison lens while simultaneously comparing changes in area, component count, and key section properties. • Project Summary Export Generate a geometric summary—including composite area, centroid coordinates, moments of inertia, principal axis angles, and component details—and export it via the system's sharing function.