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

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

L = 4 mE = 200 GPa (steel)d = 30 mm

P_cr = kN

2.Easy

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

L = 3 mE = 70 GPa (aluminium)d = 40 mm

P_cr = kN

3.Medium

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

L = 2.5 mE = 70 GPa (aluminium)d = 40 mm

P_cr = kN

4.Medium

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

L = 3 mE = 200 GPa (steel)d = 80 mm

P_cr = kN

5.Hard

A solid round column of length L made of steel is pinned at both ends. It must carry 130 kN with a factor of safety of 2 against buckling. Find the smallest diameter d.

P = 130 kNn = 2L = 2 mE = 200 GPa (steel)

d = mm

6.Hard

A solid round column of length L made of aluminium is fixed at the base and free at the top. It must carry 50 kN with a factor of safety of 2.5 against buckling. Find the smallest diameter d.

P = 50 kNn = 2.5L = 1 mE = 70 GPa (aluminium)

d = mm

Answer key

1. P_cr = 4.905 kN
2. P_cr = 9.646 kN
3. P_cr = 28.35 kN
4. P_cr = 110.2 kN
5. d = 57.24 mm
6. d = 61.97 mm

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