How Do You Calculate the Maximum Axial Compressive Load for a Steel Punch?

[eddyb]

I have a question on axial loads. I can get to a certain point but can't quite work out how to used the formula properly. The question is

Given that the maximum compressive stress for steel is 235MN/m2. Using a factor of saftey of 3, determin the maximum axial compressive load that can be applied to a steel punch with a 25mm circumferance.

So far i work out we need to find the area of the punch, which we work out diameter first then half it and work out area using pie x r squared. This is fairly easy but now i know the formula to use but do i need to work out the slenderness ratio first?

cheers

 

[andrevdh]

I think you should keep it simple:

With a safety factor of 3 the maximum compressive stress that should be applied to the punch is 78.3 MN/m^2. The maximum load that it should experience can be calculated by using the cross sectional area that you calculated.