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Python solvers are server-side calculation engines that perform complex structural analysis tasks including finite element analysis, beam analysis, cross-section calculations, and more. These solvers are accessed through Remote Widgets and provide comprehensive structural engineering calculations.

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Overview

Beam Solver

1D structural analysis for beams with various support conditions and loading

Frame Solver

2D and 3D frame analysis for complex structural systems

Cross-section Solver

Cross-sectional property calculations for various section shapes

pyCUFSM Solver

Constrained finite strip method analysis for buckling

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Beam Solver

The Beam Solver is the most commonly used solver for 1D structural analysis of beams and columns.

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Required Inputs

Most parameters are optional except that enough information must be provided to create a stable structure with:
  • At least one load
  • Both stiffnesses (EI and EA)
  • Length
  • At least 1-2 supports
  • At least one strength load case/combination
  • At least one serviceability load combination

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Core Parameters

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L
scalar
required
Total length of beam
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EI
scalar
required
Bending stiffness of beam
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EA
scalar
required
Axial stiffness of beam
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SW
scalar
Self-weight of beam (line load)

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Support Configuration

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r
matrix
required
Support configuration in format: [[support_type, location, ...], ...]Support Types:
  • 0, "Pin", or "Pinned" - Pinned support
  • 1, "Fix", or "Fixed" - Fixed support
  • 2 or "Roller" - Roller restraining lateral translation
  • 101 or "Rotation" - Support restraining only rotation
  • 102 or "Rigid Roller" - Roller with rotation restraint
  • 3, "Hinge", or "Hinged" - Internal pin
  • 4, "Brace", "Lateral Brace", "Strong Axis Brace", or "Top Brace" - Brace type 4
  • 5, "Brace 2", "Torsional Brace", "Weak Axis Brace", or "Bottom Brace" - Brace type 5
  • 6, "Brace 3", or "Twist Brace" - Brace type 6
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rRoll
matrix
Roller support configuration: [[support_type=2, location, angle], ...]Angles:
  • 0° - Restrains purely lateral translation
  • 90° - Restrains purely axial translation
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rDist
matrix
Continuous supports: [[label, start_loc, end_loc], ...]Internally creates closely-repeated pinned supports with compiled reactions

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Load Inputs

Concentrated Loads
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loadsConc
matrix
Linked point loads in format:
[["label", loc, {loads_dictionary}], ...]
[["label", loc, eccentricity, {loads_dictionary}], ...]
[["label", loc, eccentricity, "orientation_string", {loads_dictionary}], ...]
Orientation strings:
  • "Lateral", "Perpendicular", "Aligned" - 90° angle
  • "Axial", "Parallel" - 0° angle
  • "Global Y" - Gravity direction
  • "Global X" - Perpendicular to gravity
  • "Global" - Gravity for beams, perpendicular for columns
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loadsConcAxial
matrix
Axial-only point loads (ignores lateral components). Same format as loadsConc.Used when templates have multiple solvers for major/minor axes.
Distributed Loads
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loadsDist
matrix
Linked distributed loads:
[["label", start_loc, end_loc, start_load_width, end_load_width, {loads_dictionary}], ...]

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Load Combinations

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loadTypesBase
array of strings
required
Load types in order, associated with each column in load case matrices
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LCs_str
matrix
required
Strength load cases/combinations. Each row is a load case:
  • First column: String identifier (e.g., “1.2G+1.5Q”)
  • Subsequent columns: Load factors for each load type
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LCs_sserv
matrix
Short-term serviceability load cases/combinations
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LCs_mserv
matrix
Medium-term serviceability load cases/combinations
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LCs_lserv
matrix
Long-term serviceability load cases/combinations

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Load Combination Factors

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LCFact_DB
dict of arrays
Factor database:
{"Q_conc": [0, 1.0, 0.6, 0.6, 0.3]}
Special prefixes:
  • "all_" - Multiplies every load type by given factors
  • "non_" - Tracks factor but doesn’t affect load combinations
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LCFact_str
dict of arrays
Factor indices for strength load cases:
{"Q_conc": [1, 0, 2, 4]}
Values of 0 are ignored (effectively 1.0 factor)

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Beam Solver Outputs

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Primary Results Access

All outputs are accessible via remote.X where X is the output label:
  • Governing Demands
  • Load Cases
  • Per-Span Results
  • Support Results
remote.gov.M        // Governing moment
remote.gov.V        // Governing shear  
remote.gov.P        // Governing axial
remote.gov.DST      // Short-term deflection
remote.gov.DLT      // Long-term deflection

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Plotting Data

remote.plot.x       // X-axis locations
remote.plot.M       // Moment diagram data
remote.plot.V       // Shear diagram data  
remote.plot.D       // Deflection data
remote.plot.MEnv    // Moment envelope
remote.plot.R       // Support/brace locations

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Load Linking

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RLinkTable
matrix
Support reactions table for load-linking between templates
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RLink
dictionary
Support reactions dictionary: [Rx, Ry, Rm]
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RLinkY
dictionary
Vertical reactions dictionary: [Ry, Rm]

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Advanced Features

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Load Patterning

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loadPattern
array of strings
Load types to be patterned (e.g., ["L", "S"])
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loadPatternBasis
string
default:"supports"
Pattern basis: "supports", "braces", or "Brace X"

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Non-Concurrent Loads

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combNonConc
array of mixed array
Expand load types for non-concurrent analysis:
[["Q_dist", 2]]
Creates “Q_dist2” and “Q_dist3” for separate analysis

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Unit Conversion

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len_convert
scalar
default:"0.001"
Length unit conversion factor
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forceUnit
string
Force unit for outputs (must be valid mathjs unit, e.g., ‘kN’, ‘kip’)
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lengthUnit
string
Length unit for outputs (must be valid mathjs unit, e.g., ‘m’, ‘ft’)

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Important Notes

Non-Concurrent Load Cases: For outputs with “byLC” suffix, non-concurrent load combinations (e.g., “Eh2”) are added at the END of results. Use LC.str.len for table length, not LCTable.str.len.
Parameter Evolution: Some parameters are deprecated but still functional. New templates should use current parameter formats (e.g., combConc2 instead of combConc).

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Best Practices

  • Always provide sufficient boundary conditions for structural stability
  • Use meaningful load case labels that match code requirements
  • Set appropriate units for consistent output formatting
  • Test solver inputs with simple cases before complex implementations
  • Document any special load combination factor requirements
  • Consider performance implications with large numbers of load cases

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Other Solvers

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Frame Solver

For 2D and 3D frame analysis with multiple members and complex connections.

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Cross-section Solver

Calculates section properties for various cross-sectional shapes including custom polygonal sections.

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pyCUFSM Solver

Performs constrained finite strip method analysis for buckling calculations of thin-walled sections.
Each solver has specific input requirements and output formats. Refer to the individual solver documentation for detailed parameter specifications.
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