Free Course
Simply Supported Beam Analysis
Build a complete beam analysis tool in Python — from reading geometry to plotting shear and moment diagrams. Live interactive widgets throughout.
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Build
By the end of this course you will have written a parametric beam analysis tool — from scratch, in Python.
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Set up an overhanging beam — span, cantilevers and support positions — with live diagrams
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Apply point loads and a UDL using the correct sign convention
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Compute reactions, shear, bending moment and deflection, with diagrams
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Write the Python yourself — from filling blanks to rebuilding the solver
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Size the most economical section against deflection and bending-strength limits
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Export a self-contained Jupyter notebook of your model and analysis
How the course works
One Interactive Tool — Six Steps
Everything runs in your browser (Python via Pyodide — no installs). Explore with sliders first, then write the Python behind it yourself.
01
▲ Geometry — Set total length and support positions
The beam diagram, segments and overhangs update live as you drag.
02
⬇ Loads — Add a point load and a UDL, set the section (E, I)
Load arrows are drawn on the beam with the correct sign convention.
03
📊 Results — Run the analysis in one click
Support reactions, shear, bending moment and deflection — with diagrams.
04
✏️ Practice — Write Python in the browser, with instant feedback
Fill-in-the-blank geometry and reactions, call the solver, then an optional build-it-yourself challenge.
05
⚖ Optimise — Size the most economical section
The smallest section that satisfies both the deflection and bending-strength limits.
06
⬇ Download — Take your work with you
Export a self-contained Jupyter notebook with your model and the full worked analysis.