How to record the element forces in different points?

[mohsenrock]

I have created my elastic frame with elasticBeamColumn elements. The analysis runs well and the node forces and disps are correct. But how can I record the element response in different points of the element in order to plot the bending moment or axial force diagram of the element?

Thanks in advance

[fmk]

they cannot be obtained form the element .. however you can obtain the element end forces and from simple statics you can determine forces at any point along.

[gabrielvaldes]

hello

currently, like you mohsenrock i'm wondering how to plot the diagrams? i mean how do i figure what is going on at the middle of a beam?

[selimgunay]

If you need the forces, you can get it from free body diagrams using the end forces and any distributed forces on the element. If you want displacements, you need to divide your elements at the locations where you want to record the displacements

[gabrielvaldes]

i fully understand selimgunay

it is a lot of work to do, i would like a way that open sees fully displays the diagrams or generates a file with data in order to plot the diagrams

[selimgunay]

Please check the OpenSees website. There are several GUIs developed by different groups, which might have the capability that you are asking.

[gabrielvaldes]

Good advice, thanks selimgunay