Column buckling worksheet with answers

Free printable Column buckling worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy
PL = 2.5 m20 × 50 mmcross-section

A column of length L made of aluminium is pinned at both ends. Using Euler’s formula, find its critical buckling load Pcr.

L = 2.5 mE = 70 GPa (aluminium)b × h = 20 × 50 mm
Pcr = kN
2.Easy
PL = 5 m40 × 80 mmcross-section

A column of length L made of steel is pinned at both ends. Using Euler’s formula, find its critical buckling load Pcr.

L = 5 mE = 200 GPa (steel)b × h = 40 × 80 mm
Pcr = kN
3.Medium
PL = 5 md = 40 mmcross-section

A column of length L made of steel is fixed at the base and pinned at the top. Using Euler’s formula, find its critical buckling load Pcr.

L = 5 mE = 200 GPa (steel)d = 40 mm
Pcr = kN
4.Medium
PL = 1 m25 × 60 mmcross-section

A column of length L made of aluminium is fixed at the base and free at the top. Using Euler’s formula, find its critical buckling load Pcr.

L = 1 mE = 70 GPa (aluminium)b × h = 25 × 60 mm
Pcr = kN
5.Hard
P = 45 kNL = 4 md = ?cross-section

A solid round column of length L made of aluminium is pinned at both ends. It must carry 45 kN with a factor of safety of 3 against buckling. Find the smallest diameter d.

P = 45 kNn = 3L = 4 mE = 70 GPa (aluminium)
d = mm
6.Hard
P = 80 kNL = 1.5 md = ?cross-section

A solid round column of length L made of steel is fixed at the base and free at the top. It must carry 80 kN with a factor of safety of 2.5 against buckling. Find the smallest diameter d.

P = 80 kNn = 2.5L = 1.5 mE = 200 GPa (steel)
d = mm

Answer key

  1. 1. Pcr = 3.685 kN
  2. 2. Pcr = 33.69 kN
  3. 3. Pcr = 20.25 kN
  4. 4. Pcr = 13.49 kN
  5. 5. d = 89.33 mm
  6. 6. d = 65.65 mm

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