Purpose and scope
PolyCalc provides browser-based tools for exploring and checking idealized engineering calculations. Each calculator has a defined scope; input values, support conditions, units, and sign conventions must be reviewed before interpreting results.
Beam analysis
The beam calculator models two-dimensional, static beam systems using a stiffness-based analysis approach. Supports and loads are represented as idealized boundary conditions and actions. Reactions, shear force, and bending moment are reported from the solved model.
Units and signs
Choose the displayed unit system in the calculator. A downward point or distributed load is entered with the calculator's indicated negative sign convention. Diagram signs are shown in the interface; compare them carefully when checking a textbook or another program.
Numerical results
Values are computed with floating-point arithmetic and may be rounded for display. Small numerical residuals can occur in any computational method. Results should be independently checked when a decision depends on a close tolerance.
Calculator-specific documentation
See each tool's on-page explanation and the validation records for representative benchmark cases.