beamFoam

beamFoam is a cell-centred finite volume solver for nonlinear geometrically exact Simo-Reissner beams in OpenFOAM®. It models slender structures undergoing large three-dimensional deformations and rotations, including tension, bending, shear and torsion.

Although the beam model is one-dimensional, it resolves three-dimensional displacements and rotations. This makes beamFoam suitable for efficiently representing slender structures and for developing coupled simulations within the OpenFOAM environment.

Getting Started

Start with the installation guide, then review the documentation and run the tutorials.

For source code, bug reports and development activity, visit the beamFoam GitHub repository.

Publication

The formulation, implementation and three principal benchmark cases are described in:

S. Bali, A. Taran, Ž. Tuković, V. Pakrashi and P. Cardiff. beamFoam: A Cell-Centred Finite Volume Solver for Nonlinear Geometrically-Exact Beams in OpenFOAM. OpenFOAM® Journal, 5, 180-210, 2025. doi:10.51560/ofj.v5.170.

• Installation
• Documentation
• Tutorials
  • 3-D Dynamic Cantilever
  • In-Plane Cantilever Subjected to an End Follower Load
  • Free Flexible Beam: Kayak-Rowing Motion