Mechanical & Aerospace
Column Buckling Lab
Why does a long thin column fail long before it crushes? Set the geometry, material and end conditions and the critical buckling load updates, with the operating point shown on the σcr–slenderness design curve. Slender columns follow Euler (Pcr ∝ 1/L²); short stocky ones yield first and follow the Johnson parabola. Fixing the ends shortens the effective length and multiplies the load four-fold.
19.6 kN
Critical load Pcr
28 MPa
Critical stress
267
Slenderness λ
Euler (slender)
Regime
Material
End conditions
Slender columns fail by Euler buckling (Pcr ∝ 1/L²); stocky ones yield first (Johnson). Fixing the ends shortens the effective length and multiplies the load.
How to use this simulation
Why does a long thin column fail long before it crushes? Set the geometry, material and end conditions and the critical buckling load updates, with the operating point shown on the σcr–slenderness design curve. Slender columns follow Euler (Pcr ∝ 1/L²); short stocky ones yield first and follow the Johnson parabola. Fixing the ends shortens the effective length and multiplies the load four-fold.
Everything runs in your browser — no sign-up, no download. Change a value and the result updates instantly, so you can build a feel for how each input shapes the outcome. It pairs with Crameleon's practice exams and step sheets when you want to go from intuition to working the problems.