Engineering & mechanics
Euler column buckling
Estimate ideal elastic critical load from effective length and section inertia.
A clear answer. Here’s how.
Uses Pcr=π²EI/(KL)² with user-supplied effective-length factor and least bending inertia. Reports critical average stress Pcr/A. Assumes a straight, slender elastic column with ideal end conditions, concentric compression and no imperfections. This is not a short-column yield model or a code-based design resistance.
See a worked example
Worked example
A fixed demonstration, separate from the values you enter above.
- Young modulus (GPa)
- 200
- Least second moment (cm⁴)
- 100
- Unsupported length (m)
- 2
- Effective-length factor K
- 1
- Cross-sectional area (mm²)
- 1000
Example result
- Ideal elastic critical load (N)
- 493,480.220054
- Effective column length (m)
- 2
- Critical average stress (MPa)
- 493.480220054