Bridge Stress Simulator
Build a truss bridge from nodes and beams. Apply a load and watch the forces distribute through the structure. Blue means tension (pulling apart), red means compression (pushing together). The intensity shows magnitude. Can your bridge hold?
How it works
A truss is a structure made of straight members connected at joints (nodes). Each member carries only axial force — tension or compression, never bending. At equilibrium, the sum of forces at every node must be zero (ΣF = 0).
The simulator solves the system of equilibrium equations using a direct matrix method. For a statically determinate truss (m + r = 2n, where m = members, r = reactions, n = nodes), there is exactly one solution. If the truss is under-constrained, it is unstable and will fail.
- Pin support: Prevents horizontal and vertical movement (2 reactions).
- Roller support: Prevents vertical movement only (1 reaction).
- Tension (+): The member is being pulled apart (blue).
- Compression (−): The member is being pushed together (red).