How Do You Calculate Buckling Load and Failure Mode in Columns?

[HNCElec]

Homework Statement

i am completely lost with this question. i need to work out:
a. what minimum length the column will buckle. b. what load the failure would occur. c. if column was half length what would be mode of failure and the load it would fail at. i would appreciate any help as i am getting really frustrated. thanks.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

i have worked out the length which i got as 5.937m. not sure about the mode of failure. i guess its buckling though. and what load does it fail at i have no idea?

 

[HNCElec]

i think i worked out the length wrong i have used 118.741x0.05= 5.937 but shouldn't it be 118.741x0.5=59.37?

 

[berkeman]

Can you post the Relevant Equations you used in your calculations? Also, your Profile shows you are in the EE degree track. Why are you in this ME class if I may ask? Nothing wrong with that, of course...

Posting the Relevant Equations in your schoolwork questions here is important, because it helps to show us where you are in your studies... Thanks.

 

[PhanthomJay]

Your first answer of 5.9 meters appears correct, but why do you think it is 59 m? As berkeman has noted, you need to post your relevant equations and methodology in arriving at solution.