User Manual

Revision: December 2022 for software version 6.5.0

This document describes Deflection Pro. Other editions will behave similarly but will have a reduced set of functionality.

Introduction

Deflection is a structural beam analysis app available on most platforms. It is both a learning companion and a long-term reference tool for engineers. It is a must-have for mechanical engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers, and architects.

The software is designed to be simple and lightweight while still powerful and reliable. Feature highlights and comparisons across editions can be found on our website.

The software is available on every major platform (iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows), and it is also accessible on the web. The app and the web interfaces complement each other and are intended to be used together. Some functionality, such as sharing designs is done in the browser, whereas other tasks such as advanced design editing is done on the app itself. In order to deliver new functionality quickly and continuously, we may release software features in one platform first before the other.

Disclaimer

DO NOT USE THIS SOFTWARE AS YOUR SOLE MEANS FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN. We do our best to produce high quality software with as few defects as possible, but no software is ever completely defect free. All results should always be reviewed and verified using other means by a qualified engineering professional.

We constantly deliver improvements and fixes for our software, and we recommend always using the latest version available. The end user is responsible for ensuring that software updates are installed as soon as they are published.

The end user should always verify values, results, and calculation methods against relevant local regulations and manufacturer standards and datasheets, as applicable. Built-in database values are compiled and derived from public online sources and are provided for reference only.

Software limitations

We continuously deliver new functionality, but at present, our software has some limitations and missing features that we think are relevant. Most of these are part of our roadmap, and we plan to address them in the future. As always, your feedback is vital and appreciated. Let us know if we missed something or what features are most essential for your work. Our contact information is found in this document as well as our website https://www.blueketchep.com.

The following is not meant to be a comprehensive list of design limitations of the software and is provided for reference only.

• Shear flow is not taken into account.
• Internal stress results are not accurate for circular shapes, wide shapes, or wide flanges.
• Applying horizontal loads is not supported.
• Cannot set moment of inertia and section modulus for different spans independently.
• Reinforced concrete is not modeled. Concrete is currently treated as a homogeneous material.

Contact

If you have any questions or comments about the software or this documentation, please email contact@ketchep.com

Web links

Mailing Address

Ketchep.com, LLC
P.O. Box 151568
Austin, TX 78715