Sign convention of shear force, moments and torsion 1. Sign convention of shear force and moments Figure 1. Sign conventions for moments 2. Shear force Sign convention The shear force in end 1 is consistent with the external load The shear force in end 2 is multiplied with -1 3. Example Cantilever beam Global axis and local axis are equal 4. F > 0 , line end 1 in origo Shear force in z-direction < 0 Moment about y-axis > 0 Figure 1b Note: The shear force in end 2 is multiplied with -1 and presented as result 5. F < 0 , line end 1 in origo Shear force in z-direction > 0 Moment about y-axis < 0 Figure 1b 6. F > 0, line end 2 in origo Shear force in z-direction > 0 Moment about y-axis > 0 Figure 1b 7. F < 0 line end 2 in origo Shear force in z-direction < 0 Moment about y-axis < 0 Figure 1b 8. Torsion Right hand rule 9. M > 0 Apply moment M about x-axis, M > 0 Torsional moment > 0 10. M < 0 Apply moment M about x-axis, M < 0 Torsional moment < 0 11. Example files With shear forces, moments and torsional moments (SIMA - 4.0) With shear forces and moments (SIMA - 4.1)