I-beam analysis code for the "Which typeface's capital "I" makes the best I-beam?" video. Video link: https://youtu.be/AQJDKs8jsjk

Hacked together in Python because I'm lazy and it works.

== To play around with data ==

Download the <<4.Results and Graphs>> folder. The 'showGraphs.py' file will plot the data storred in 'normalisedData.txt'. If you also download font images (really large set of files, sorry) then it should also plot a preview. Make sure to unzip the file and make sure the names/ file locations are set correctly. I've restricted it to just a single letter since it tends to be unstable if you have the full alphabet.

== To test your own fonts ==

This is a little harder as you'll need an Abaqus license. There might be information about getting a trial / university copy at https://www.3ds.com/products/simulia/abaqus/cae. I don't know, I just used my university lab computer (sorry people who actually have important research).

You'll then want to run through the following folders in order...

<1. Raw font profiles> This is a collection of the origional beam profiles. The included 'generateFonts.py' should generate a bunch based on what fonts you have installed. It's a little broken though so you can also just insert your own 1000px x 1000px jpg.

<2. Vectorised graphics> This is a collection of the beam profiles simplified as vectors. The 'generateVectors.py' should be able to take the raw fonts from the previous stage and convert them into vectors.

<3. Abaqus simulation> This is the step that needs Abaqus. If somone wants to substitute it for an open source python version that would be awesome... I just found Abaqus' record feature really useful and was able to hack together a vector-to-beam conversion. The 'fontsToTest.txt' file contains the list of fonts you want to test. Modify as needed. Run the 'abaqusBending.py', 'abaqusBuckling.py', 'abaqusTorsion.py', 'abaqusTension.py' of your choice. The function saves an output image and the stress data. It doesn't save the full results because that produces far too much data. The 'cleanData.py' function should combine and clean your raw data outputs.

<4. Results and graphs> Finally you should be able to run the 'showGraphs.py' file.

== Modifying and updating ==

If you have an interrest please feel free to modify an update as you see fit. I'm bad at maintaining code and never want to see an I-beam again. I wish you the best!

• James