» Axial Members
AXIAL MEMBERS, which support load only along their primary axis, are the most basic of structural members. Equilibrium requires that forces in Axial Members are always equal, opposite and co-linear. In most cases, axial members have pinned ends. Some examples of axial members include:

• Bars;
• Truss Members;
• Ropes and Cables.

» Torsional Members
TORSIONAL MEMBERS support a Torque about (or around) their primary axis. Equilibrium requires that torques in Torsional Members are always equal and opposite. Some examples of torsional members include:

• Automobile drive shafts;
• Screw drivers;
• Gear shafts.

» Beams
BEAMS are structural component that support loads transverse to their main structural axis. Some examples of beams include:

• Aircraft wings;
• Floor/Ceiling joists;
• Park benches.