1. Introduction
Beams are invaluable structural elements. Their application ranges from
multi-storey buildings to Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
[4]. As a lecturer, it is important to be confident in the software
you use and teach in order to pass that confidence along to the
students. Autodesk Inventor which is a 3D modelling software has an
integrated stress analysis environment. Autodesk Inventor is an
invaluable tool in teaching Computer Aided Design (Engineering Design)
and Computer Aided manufacture (Toolpath generation and Computer
Numerical Control (CNC) programming) hence the importance of being able
to link it with theory in engineering as a means of visualising Bending
beam stresses, deflection and theories cannot be over emphasises
especially for visual learners.