EngiLab Frame.2D is a powerful structural engineering software for the linear static analysis of plane (2D) frames for Windows. The program features a fast, rich and intuitive user interface for pre-processing and post-processing of the results. It uses the Finite Element Method (FEM) for the analysis, with 3 DOFs per Node (DX, DY, RZ). Any system of units can be used as long as it is consistent. The program supports Nodal Loads (FX, FY, MZ), Distributed (linear varying) Loads (fX, fY) on members (e.g. uniform, triangular or trapezoidal), and body (acceleration) inertial loads (e.g. self weight). It supports any type of constraints (DX, DY, RZ) and springs (KX, KY, KZ). Members can have hinges at any one of their ends. There is also a built-in Section Properties Calculator for most standard sections. DXF drawing files can be imported as Models. The program calculates and reports the Node Displacements (DX, DY, RZ), Support Reactions (FX, FY, MZ), Element End Forces (Axial, Shear Force and Bending Moment). All analysis results can be exported as a report to a document (in RTF format) for easy processing with a word processor. The program can draw the Model Deformation, Free Body Diagram, Axial, Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams. Although the FEM analysis provides results only at nodal points, the program accurately calculates also the intermediate values for all quantities, so that all drawings and diagrams are continuous and 100% accurate. The user can see intermediate values at a point along an element by hovering the mouse over the element. All drawings support automatic scaling for optimal viewing. Other than the analysis, EngiLab Frame.2D validates its results using principles of mechanics. It checks the Global Equilibrium (Sum of X-Forces, Sum of Y-Forces, Sum of Moments) and the individual Elements Equilibrium. This validation procedure verifies that the analysis results are correct. The validation results are presented to the user in tables.
