Solving Buckling Load Problem for Masters Degree Mechanical Engineering Project

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of a rig for conducting experiments on climbing belays as part of a Master's degree project in Mechanical Engineering. The main focus is on determining the appropriate material—either wood or steel—for the rig, specifically in relation to calculating the buckling load and considering the structural integrity of the design.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the rig as an upright rectangular section with a triangular web, seeking advice on whether to use thicker wood or thinner steel based on buckling load calculations.
  • Another participant questions the choice between wood and steel, suggesting the possibility of using a composite material instead, and raises concerns about the different internal responses of wood compared to steel.
  • A later reply emphasizes the practical constraints of using available materials in the lab, stating that wood and steel are the only options due to fabrication time considerations.
  • One participant proposes a hybrid approach, suggesting the use of plywood for the main panel while reinforcing anchor points with sheet steel to enhance rigidity and address potential twisting issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the choice of materials, with some advocating for a composite approach while others focus on the practical limitations of available materials. There is no consensus on the best material or design strategy, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of detailed information about the depth of the rig and the specific forces it will encounter, which may affect the buckling analysis. The discussion also highlights the importance of considering the ease of adjusting belaying points in the design.

Barn-Unit
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Hi, I am currently studying for my Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, Scotland) and as part of my final project I have to design a 'rig' with which to conduct experiments on climbing belays.
The problem I am having is in designing the 'rig'. I need to determine whether it would be better made from Steel or Wood but I cannot determine this without first calculating the buckling load. Here in lies the problem.

This is a quick sketch of the part of the rig I am struggling with:

[PLAIN][URL]http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Barn-Unit/MountProblem.jpg[/PLAIN][/URL]

What I am trying to figure out is whether it would be better to make it thicker but out of wood, or thinner and out of steel. The forces it will be under are not going to be anywhere near the yeild levels of either material.

ALL help appreciated. Thanks!
 
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Ok, not too sure if the picture is loading correctly...

it is basically an upright rectangular section of length around 4 times it's width, standing on it's short side (width) with a triangular 'web' on one side in the opposing direction forming a 90 degree corner. The web is as tall as the rectangular section and as long along the bottom edge (right angle triangle with 2 equal sides). Hope that helps...
 
You better have another go at the drawing mate.

Why wood or steel, why not a composite?

Difficult to comment further without a proper picture, but might not the fixing characteristics into wood yield false results? The internal response of wood is quite different from rock or steel.

If I read you description correctly the support is four times as tall as it is wide, but no information about depth was given. This is unlikely to have a buckling problem at realistic depths. However it could easily be strengthened with a mid-brace.
 
Got the picture working, thanks for the comment.

I chose wood (ply wood) or steel because these are the materials that the lab have to hand. the fabrication time would be far too long if i were to ask them to build it out of anything else.
 
By a composite I meant both wood and steel.

I do not know how many times you will need to change/adjust the belaying points. If this happens a lot, as I suspect, then wood is the easier material. However the anchor points will be 'softer' (=possess resilience) and have a tendency to twist.
I suggest making the main panel of ply, but reinforce the anchor positions with sheet steel (builder's merchant straps) to maintain rigidity. That's the best of both worlds.
 
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