The javaFE is written in java, providing a graphic interface for users to model and analyse 2D-truss or frame structures. You can modify your structure model as you like. javaFE also provides a message box to help monitor the whole procedure.
        To model a truss or frame, following steps are recommended:

• Set the dimensional and loading scales properly
• Edit nodes/joints
• Edit structural elements
• Impose constraints or boundary conditions
• Edit and assign external loadings to the structure
• Check structural model you structure needs to be defined with proper boundary conditions or supports. Boundary conditions consist of prescriptions of displacement and of stress. You can define boundary conditions under Support menu. For example, if you choose submenu X-constraint, click a node will impose an X-direction restriction on that node. The first click gives a symbol , the second changes direction like this and the third may eliminate the support condition.

  It is not difficult to add constraints in y and q_z directions.

   

  4. Loading

  Loading menu covers a number of loading types for truss and frame:

  • Point loading : for truss and frame
  • Bending moment :
  • Distributed loading: on beam elements
  • Concentrated loading: on beam elements
  • Concentrated beading moment: on beam elements

  The message window at the bottom

   

  will keep tracking the procedure and giving explanation for the commands you committed

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  5. Post-processing

  To view the analysis results, you should go to menu . This will pop-up a menu like this.

  This menu allows you to display deformed graph, eigenmode, bending moment diagram,&ldots. and even play animation.

  Menu Enable Buttons can bring up a stand-along button box which may be more convenice if the analysis results are frequently accessed.