Buckling of

Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Buckling of Columns
ENGR0145 - Statics and Mechanics of Materials 2
William S. Slaughter
Mechanical Engineering Department
University of Pittsburgh
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Student Learning Objectives
Students should be able to:

Determine the buckling load for long, slender

columns in axial compression.

Account for dierent types of end conditions.

Apply empirical formulas for the design of

columns.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Buckling of Columns
Consider a simply-supported column in axial
compression.
L
P

Boundary conditions:

Both ends of the column are free to rotate, i.e.

there is zero bending moment at both ends.

At the left end, both axial and lateral deection

are prevented.

At the right end, there is unconstrained axial

motion while lateral deection is prevented.

According to our axial loading theory, the column

fails when the axial compressive stress P/A
reaches the materials yield stress.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Buckling of Columns
However, for long, slender beams, buckling may occur
at a lower load.
L
P
x
y

y is the lateral deection at a distance x from the

left side of the column.

We want to determine the load at which buckling

occurs.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Buckling of Columns
Consider the free body diagram of a portion of a
buckled column.
L
P
P
P
x
x
y
y
M
o

M
o
= Py +M = 0 = M = Py
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Buckling of Columns
Using the beam deection equation y

= M/EI and
M = Py gives
d
2
y
dx
2
=
P
EI
y
or
d
2
y
dx
2
+p
2
y = 0 where p
2
=
P
EI

The general solution of this dierential equation is

y = Asinpx +Bcos px
where A and B are constants.
dy
dx
= pAcos px pBsinpx
d
2
y
dx
2
= p
2
Asinpx p
2
Bcos px = p
2
y
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Buckling of Columns
L
P
x
y
y = Asinpx +Bcos px , p
2
=
P
EI

y|
x=0
= B = 0 = y = Asinpx

y|
x=L
= AsinpL = 0
=
_

_
A = 0 (the column is straight)
or
p =
n
L
where n is an integer

The A = 0 solution is unstable and not what we

are looking for.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Euler Buckling Load
n = 3 n = 2
n = 1
x
y
p =
n
L
= y = Asin
nx
L

Dierent integer values of n correspond to

dierence modes of buckling.

For each buckling mode:

p
2
=
P
EI
p =
n
L
_

_
= P =
n
2

2
EI
L
2
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Euler Buckling Load
n = 3 n = 2
n = 1
x
y
y = Asin
nx
L
, P =
n
2

2
EI
L
2

n = 1 gives the smallest nonzero load, so, under

normal circumstances, buckling will occur via the
rst mode:
y = Asin
x
L
, P
cr
=

2
EI
L
2
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Euler Buckling Load
L
P
x
y
y = Asin
x
L
, P
cr
=

2
EI
L
2

P
cr
is the Euler buckling load, the compressive
axial load at which a column with these supports
will buckle.

The deection coecient A is undetermined in the

linear theory.

Important: when calculating P

cr
, use the
minimum second moment I for the cross section.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Stainless Steel Ruler
E = 28 10
6
psi

y
= 36 10
3
psi
L = 13 in
I =
1
12
(1 in)(0.04 in)
3
= 5.33 10
6
in
4
A = (1 in)(0.04 in) = 0.04 in
2

In the absence of buckling, the axial stress reaches

the yield stress when the compressive axial load is
P
y
=
y
A = 1440 lb

In comparison, the Euler buckling load is

P
cr
=

2
EI
L
2
= 8.77 lb
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Air-Dried, Douglas Fir 2 4
E = 1.9 10
6
psi

y
= 6.4 10
3
psi
A = 5.89 in
2
I = 6.45 in
4
I =
1
12
(3.625 in)(1.625 in)
3
= 1.2962 in
4

In the absence of buckling, the axial stress reaches

the yield stress when the compressive axial load is
P
y
=
y
A = 37.7 kip

When L = 1 ft, the Euler buckling load is

P
cr
=

2
EI
L
2
= 169 kip
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Air-Dried, Douglas Fir 2 4
E = 1.9 10
6
psi

y
= 6.4 10
3
psi
A = 5.89 in
2
I = 6.45 in
4
I =
1
12
(3.625 in)(1.625 in)
3
= 1.2962 in
4

In the absence of buckling, the axial stress reaches

the yield stress when the compressive axial load is
P
y
=
y
A = 37.7 kip

When L = 10 ft, the Euler buckling load is

P
cr
=

2
EI
L
2
= 1.69 kip
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Critical Stress
The compressive axial stress at buckling (i.e. the
critical stress) is

cr
=
P
cr
A
=

2
EI
AL
2
where A is the cross sectional area of the column.

Recall that the radius of gyration r is dened such

that I = Ar
2
.
=
cr
=

2
E
(L/r)
2

L/r is the slenderness ratio.

Doubling the slenderness ratio decreases the

buckling load by a factor of four.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Critical Stress
Comparison of plastic yielding versus buckling for
structural steel (E = 200 GPa,
y
= 250 MPa).
L/r
s (MPa)
250
89
s
cr
s
y

A column with L/r < 89 will deform plastically

without buckling.

A column with L/r > 89 will buckle rst.

Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Dierent End Conditions
L
L = 2L
P
e
y = 0
y' = 0
"effective length"
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Dierent End Conditions
P
cr
=

2
EI
L
2
e
,
cr
=

2
E
(L
e
/r)
2

Eective length L
e
= 2L yields a 4-fold decrease
in P
cr
when compared to the simply supported
column.

The eective lengths for a number of dierent end

conditions have been tabulated (see Figure 11-4,
page 661). Use the above equations with the
appropriate eective length for all cases.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Dierent End Conditions
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Comparing Experiments and Theory
L/r
s (MPa)
s
cr
s
y
compression
block range intermediate
range
slender
range

Experimental data dier from theoretical

predictions, particularly in the intermediate
range between plastic deformation (compression
block range) and Euler buckling (slender range).
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Empirical Column Formulas

Design codes for columns based on experimental

data.

For example, the allowable axial compressive

stress for 2014-T6 aluminum alloy columns
(Specications for Aluminum Structures,
Aluminum Association, Inc, Washington, D.C.,
1986):
L
e
r
12 =
all
= 28 ksi
12
L
e
r
55 =
all
=
_
30.7 0.23
_
L
e
r
__
ksi
L
e
r
55 =
all
=
54, 000
(L
e
/r)
2
ksi
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Empirical Column Formulas

The allowable axial compressive stress for

structural steel with a yield point
y
(Manual of
Steel Construction, 9th ed., American Institute of
Steel Construction, New York, 1959):
0
L
e
r
C
c
=
all
=

y
FS
_
1
1
2
_
L
e
/r
C
c
_
2
_
C
2
c
=
2
2
E

y
FS =
5
3
+
3
8
_
L
e
/r
C
c
_

1
8
_
L
e
/r
C
c
_
3
L
e
r
C
c
=
all
=

2
E
1.92(L
e
/r)
2
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Eccentrically Loaded Columns
x
y
c
e
P
When a column is subjected to an eccentrical load, the
result is combined axial loading and exure.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Eccentrically Loaded Columns
x
y
c
e
P
M
In this case, the statically equivalent centric axial load
and bending moment are P and M = Pe.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Combined Axial Loading and Flexure of
Columns
x
y
c
P
M
What is an allowable combination of axial load P and
bending moment M?
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Allowable Stress Method

The axial loading compressive stress is P/A,

where A is the cross sectional area.

The maximum compressive stress due to bending

is Mc/I, where I is the second moment with
respect to the neutral axis and c is the maximum
distance from the neutral axis (depends on the
axis about which bending occurs).

The sum shall not exceed the allowable buckling

stress
all
from Table 11-1:
P
A
+
Mc
I

all

Usually yields a conservative design.

Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Interaction Method

Starting rst from the allowable stress method:

P
A
+
Mc
I

all
=
P/A

all
+
Mc/I

all
1

However, for the interaction method, use

P/A

a
+
Mc/I

b
1
where

a
is the allowable buckling stress from
Table 11-1.

b
is the allowable exural stress as would be used
for a beam bending problem.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example
x
y
P
125 mm

A W457 144 wide-ange section is used for the

column shown.

Made of steel (E = 200 GPa,

y
= 290 MPa,

b
= 190 MPa).

Eective length of 6 m.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example
x
y
P
125 mm

An eccentric load P is applied on the centerline as

shown.

Determine the maximum safe load according to

(a) The allowable stress method.
(b) The interaction method.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Relevant Section Properties
x
y
P
125 mm
For a W457 144 wide-ange section (Table A-2):

A = 18.365 10
3
m
2

c = 0.472/2 = 0.236 m

r
min
= 0.0673 m, r
max
= 0.199 m

I
min
= 83.7 10
6
m
4
, I
max
= 728 10
6
m
4
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Allowable Buckling Stress - Empirical
Use Code 1 for steel:
The allowable axial compressive stress for structural
steel with a yield point
y
:
0
L
e
r
C
c
=
all
=

y
FS
_
1
1
2
_
L
e
/r
C
c
_
2
_
C
2
c
=
2
2
E

y
FS =
5
3
+
3
8
_
L
e
/r
C
c
_

1
8
_
L
e
/r
C
c
_
3
L
e
r
C
c
=
all
=

2
E
1.92(L
e
/r)
2
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Allowable Buckling Stress - Empirical

First determine C
c
(recall that E = 200 GPa and

y
= 290 MPa):
C
c
=

2
2
E

y
= 116.68

Always use the minimum radius of gyration when

determining the eective slenderness ratio (recall
that L
e
= 6 m and r
min
= 0.0673 m):
L
e
r
= 89.15

Since L
e
/r < C
c
, use the intermediate formula
with a factor of safety of
FS =
5
3
+
3
8
_
L
e
/r
C
c
_

1
8
_
L
e
/r
C
c
_
3
= 1.90
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Allowable Buckling Stress - Empirical

Thus, using the intermediate formula (recall that

y
= 290 MPa, L
e
/r = 89.15, C
c
= 116.68, and
FS = 1.90, the allowable stress for buckling is

all
=

y
FS
_
1
1
2
_
L
e
/r
C
c
_
2
_
= 108.08 MPa
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
(a) Allowable Stress Method
According to the allowable stress method, a combined
axial load P and bending moment M is safe if
P
A
+
Mc
I

all
,
where I and c are with respect to the axis about which
bending will occur.

Recall that A = 18.365 10

3
m
2
, c = 0.236 m,
I = I
max
= 728 10
6
m
4
, and
all
= 108.08 MPa.

Note that M = (0.125 m)P.

It follows that the maximum safe load is

P
max
= 1138 kN
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
(b) Interaction Method
According to the interaction method, a combined axial
load P and bending moment M is safe if
P/A

a
+
Mc/I

b
1 ,
where
a
is the allowable axial stress for buckling,
b
is
the allowable exural stress, and I and c are with
respect to the axis about which bending will occur.

Recall that A = 18.365 10

3
m
2
, c = 0.236 m,
I = 728 10
6
m
4
,
a
=
all
= 108.08 MPa, and

b
= 190 MPa.

Note that M = (0.125 m)P.

It follows that the maximum safe load is

P
max
= 1395 kN
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Post-buckling Behavior
P
P
max
y
max
y
stable
buckling
unstable
buckling
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Post-buckling Behavior

Buckling is said to be stable if, after buckling, one

must increase the load in order to cause an
increase in the lateral deection.

Buckling is said to be unstable (or catastrophic) if

the lateral deection keeps increasing without
having to increase the load.

Whether or not buckling will be stable depends on

the cross sectional geometry of the column and
the type of supports at the ends.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Other Buckling Mechanisms

Columns are not the only structure where

buckling is an issue.

The anges and/or web of I-type beams in

bending can buckle.

Buckling can occur in plates and shells (e.g.,

thin-walled pressure vessels subject to external
pressure; ICBM nose cones during reentry).

The stability of buckling in these case is often an

issue.
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Buckling of a Soda Can

R
o
= 1.25 in

R
i
= 1.24 in

L = 4.75 in

E = 10, 000 ksi

y
= 40 ksi
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Buckling of a Soda Can
Euler buckling load

I =

4
(R
4
o
R
4
i
) = 0.0606 in
4

L
e
= 2L = 9.5 in (ag pole-like support)
P
cr
=

2
EI
L
2
e
= 265 kip
Compressive yield load

A = (R
2
o
R
2
i
) = 7.823 10
2
in
2
P
y
=
y
A = 3.13 kip
Compare with demonstration
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Vitreous Silo
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Diamond Pattern
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Elephant Foot
Buckling of
Columns
ENGR0145
Learning Objectives
Euler Buckling
Examples
Critical Stress
End Conditions
Empirical Formulas
Eccentric Loading
Example
Post-bucking
Other Mechanisms
Example - Squidged Column