Cantilever Beam Calculation Guide
1. Define the support orientation
TOOL-006 uses a fixed support at the left, x = 0, and a free end at the right, x = L.
2. Add supported loads
Add one or more downward point loads and/or uniform distributed loads. A UDL may cover the full span or only a partial interval.
3. Review fixed support reactions
Review the fixed vertical reaction and fixed-end reaction moment. Under the frozen representative downward-load case, the reaction moment is positive while the internal fixed-end bending moment is negative.
4. Review shear and bending moment
Review maximum and minimum shear and bending moment values with their reported locations. Sagging internal bending moment is positive.
5. Add E and I only when deflection is needed
If both Young's modulus E and second moment of area I are supplied, TOOL-006 also reports deflection. Downward deflection is negative.
6. Fixed-End Zero Slope
Fixed-End Zero Slope is inherited from the verified TOOL-001 cantilever boundary condition. TOOL-006 does not expose slope as a separate result.
7. Interpret critical locations correctly
criticalLocationsM is a non-exhaustive review set containing inherited extrema, point-load locations, UDL breakpoints and beam boundaries. It is not every analytical root or one-sided discontinuity limit.
Scope limits
This guide covers fixed-left, free-right cantilever beams with point loads and uniform distributed loads only. It does not cover simply supported beams, multi-span systems, triangular/trapezoidal loads, material strength, or code-design checks.
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