Hi,
Thank you for your thoughtful reply and the additional details you provided.
System Modeler, indeed, is an excellent choice for modeling such systems. You're absolutely right that the 'Explore' feature significantly simplifies the process of testing different scenarios.
Concerning the specific dynamics you wish to capture, the level of fidelity can indeed vary greatly, ranging from stress and strain to vibrations and buckling. For the system you've illustrated, particularly if it's intended for educational purposes, I would suggest using the Planar Mechanics library as a starting point since the problem could be solved in 2D as well. This library can allow you to simulate the basic mechanics of the structure and observe the effects of different forces on it.
In addition to this, System Modeler is continually evolving and expanding its range of libraries tailored for Mechanical and Civil Engineering applications. For instance, the forthcoming Rotating Machinery Library (this library includes flexible Eulerian beams) and the existing Aircraft Library, Hydraulic Library, could provide valuable resources for more complex and specific simulations.