• After the cross-sectional properties are defined, the software can display the shape of the cross-section and plot the distribution of either normal or shear stress as it varies over the depth of the section.

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• A set of movable cross hairs is provided so users can point to a specific location within the depth of the cross-section. Normal and shear stresses are calculated at that point. In the transverse shear stress calculation, the value of Q is also calculated for the location chosen by the user with the cross hairs.

• Stress distributions are plotted and specific stresses can be calculated for composite cross-sections.

• Mohr's circle calculation can be seamlessly accessed from the beam stress calculations so that the principal stresses at a point can be computed.
  
• Axial forces at the cross-section can also be considered so that combined loadings can be analyzed.
  
• The user can define allowable stresses so that the allowable axial force, shear force, and bending moment can be computed.

• MDSolids can determine the lightest weight steel beam (or the minimum size rectangular or circular beam) necessary to withstand a specified bending moment and shear force.

• For a specifed cross section, MDSolids can determine the maximum load that can be applied to the beam for six common span and load configurations.

• Bending of unsymmetrical shapes can be considered.

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