Engineering · Statics & Structural Analysis

Virtual Work and Unit-Load Deflection Calculator

Sum member or segment contributions to a selected displacement using real-force and unit-load actions entered from independently verified analyses.

Engineering · Statics & Structural Analysis

Enter the engineering model

Explicit properties, geometry, units and assumptions
  1. 1EnterProvide the known values
  2. 2CalculateResults update automatically
  3. 3VerifyReview the details and units
Try an example
One row: real axial force N, unit-load axial force n, length L, area A, modulus E.
Visual modelSchematic · not to scale
Statics & Structural Analysis: virtualTruss visual explanationA simplified diagram showing the relationship represented by the selected calculator mode. It is explanatory and not a fabrication, safety or scale drawing.real actions × unit-load actionssigned member contributions sum to one displacement
The diagram explains the selected relationship only. Dimensions, symbols and proportions are illustrative; use the entered values and stated assumptions for the calculation.

Keep every unit basis, sign convention, property source and idealization consistent. Values stay in this browser.

Engineering calculation result

Enter valid values to see the result.

Your entries are calculated in this browser and are not submitted to 365CALCS.COM.

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Understand the structural model

Displacement from real and virtual actions

The unit-load method measures one selected displacement by pairing actions from the real load case with actions from a unit load applied in the desired direction.

Relationship used

Truss displacement δ=Σ(NnL/AE). Beam displacement δ=Σ(c·M·m·L/EI), where c is the entered exact or numerical integration coefficient for each segment.

Worked scenario: A truss member with N=100 kN, n=0.5, L=2 m, A=0.01 m² and E=200 GPa contributes 0.00005 m to the selected displacement.

Keep the boundary visible: The tool sums entered actions; it does not generate or validate either force system.

Quick guide

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose the analysis mode that matches the physical model before entering values.
  2. Enter properties, geometry, loads, states and coefficients from one consistent unit and sign convention.
  3. Use the intermediate outputs to audit the relationship, then retain the stated idealization before applying it.

Calculation method

Transparent engineering model

Truss displacement δ=Σ(NnL/AE). Beam displacement δ=Σ(c·M·m·L/EI), where c is the entered exact or numerical integration coefficient for each segment.

The calculator evaluates only the declared relationship and preserves visitor-entered assumptions rather than selecting materials, factors, components or standards.

Worked example

Worked example

A truss member with N=100 kN, n=0.5, L=2 m, A=0.01 m² and E=200 GPa contributes 0.00005 m to the selected displacement.

Truss displacement δ=Σ(NnL/AE). Beam displacement δ=Σ(c·M·m·L/EI), where c is the entered exact or numerical integration coefficient for each segment.

Supported inputs

Precision and limits

Analysis, not approval

The calculator does not derive the real or virtual force systems. Their signs, units, support conditions and integration coefficients must be established independently.

Standards and properties

Material properties, allowable values, load combinations, safety factors, correlations, manufacturer data, codes and jurisdictional requirements are not supplied automatically.

Units and precision

Use one consistent unit basis. Results retain working precision but cannot be more accurate than the entered measurements and properties.

Privacy

Entered engineering values and results stay in this browser and are not sent to analytics or third parties.