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

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on calculating the buckling load and failure mode of columns, specifically addressing a homework problem involving the minimum length for buckling, the load at which failure occurs, and the implications of changing the column length. The scope includes theoretical and practical applications in engineering mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the calculations for the minimum length at which a column will buckle and the associated failure load.
  • Another participant questions the initial calculation of the length, suggesting a possible error in the multiplication factor used.
  • A request is made for the relevant equations used in the calculations to better understand the participant's approach.
  • There is a suggestion that the original length calculation of 5.937 meters may be correct, but clarification is sought on the reasoning behind an alternative length of 59.37 meters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the length calculations or the mode of failure, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding the approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided the relevant equations or methodologies used in their calculations, which may limit the clarity of the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying engineering mechanics, particularly those interested in column stability and buckling analysis.

HNCElec
Messages
2
Reaction score
1

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


upload_2018-6-22_15-3-47.png


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?
 

Attachments

  • upload_2018-6-22_15-3-47.png
    upload_2018-6-22_15-3-47.png
    13.2 KB · Views: 588
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
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?
 
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jedishrfu and Bystander
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.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
10K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
28K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
11K