Introduction
Plane frame app
Link to app
Videos
Introduction
On this page, you will find free web applications (web apps) that run on all operating systems (desktop, tablet, smartphone) without installation in the browser. The apps can also be launched directly via the URLs provided below. All apps can be operated entirely with one finger on touch-enabled devices (e.g., smartphones or tablets). An existing pen or mouse can of course also be used.
Plane frame application d2beam-gui
D2beam-gui is a free structural analysis software for tablets like iPad or Galaxy Tab, smartphones, laptop and desktop-PCs.
This web application can be used to analyze 2D frame and truss structures using the finite element method. Calculation options are available for static and dynamic analyses. Static calculations can be performed according to first and second order theory. For dynamic calculations, eigenvalues and eigenmodes can currently be determined.
The d2beam-gui app supports graphical input using a mouse, stylus, or finger.
The beam element named d2beam can take shear deformations into account according to Timoshenko's theory. The truss member is a classic 2-node element. The starting point for the beam element is a 4-node straight shear-soft beam element whose inner nodes are condensed so that the user works with a 2-node element. For calculations according to first-order theory (linear elastic), the element matrices correspond to the solution obtained using the differential equation for the Timoshenko beam. In this case, the results are therefore exact.
Types of calculation:
- - First-order theory (equilibrium is analyzed at the undeformed structural system), linear elastic and elastic-plastic
- - Second-order theory (equilibrium is analyzed at the deformed structural system), linear elastic and elastic-plastic
- - Eigenvalue calculation, linear elastic
Features of the app:
- ▪ Linearly elastic material for beams, optional elastic-plastic behavior for truss elements
- ▪ Shear deformations are taken into account using a shear correction factor (Timoshenko beam theory). If 0 is entered for the shear correction factor, shear-rigid (Euler–Bernoulli beam theory) elements are used in the calculation.
- ▪ Beam joints at both ends for normal force, shear force, and moment
- ▪ In second-order theory, the imperfection can be conveniently taken into account via the first eigenmode. The imperfection calculated by the program can be checked in the graphical representation.
- ▪ Load types: nodal loads, point and distributed member loads, temperature, prestressing, turnbuckles, member pre-deformations, etc.
- ▪ Specification of node deformations
- ▪ Elastic support springs
- ▪ Elastic foundation according to Winkler
- ▪ Load combinations with associated safety factors can be defined. In Theory II. Order, only the load combinations are calculated.
- ▪ No limit on the number of nodes, elements, loads, etc.
- ▪ Dynamics: Calculation of the eigenvalues and normal modes of the system. Both consistent mass matrices and nodal masses are taken into account.
▪ User Manual for d2beam-gui (pdf), Version dated April 12, 2026
Link to app d2beam-gui
, or use link address: https://d2beam.fea-apps.de