Sign Convention
for the
One-Dimensional Beam Element

The nodal and elemental solution quantities obtained from a finite element analysis are in accordance with the sign convention of the one-dimensional beam element.

Solution Quantity	Common Units	Nodal or Element Quantity	Positive Value(s)	Negative Value(s)
Traverse (Vertical) Displacement	Inches or Millimeters	Nodal	Positive in the positive y direction.	Negative in the negative y direction.
Rotation (Slope)	Radians or Degrees	Nodal	Positive in the counter-clockwise direction, according to the right-hand rule.	Negative in the clockwise direction, according to the right-hand rule.
Shear Force (f)	Lbs or Newtons	Nodal	Positive in the positive y direction.	Negative in the negative y direction.
Moment (m)	Lb-In or Newton-Meter	Nodal	Positive in the counter-clockwise direction, according to the right-hand rule.	Negative in the clockwise direction, according to the right-hand rule.