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Buckling of Columns
ME 272 Experiment #6

Objective:
The objective of this experiment is to develop an experimental method utilizing the
buckling of columns apparatus that will determine the load-deflection function and
critical loads of a sample column. The developed method is then used to determine
the load-deflection function and critical loads for a column with various end
conditions (pinned-pinned, clamped-pinned, and clamped-clamped).

Reference: Sections 10.2 to 10.5 in Mechanics of Materials

; Beer, Johnston, and
DeWolf
Apparatus:


You will be using the strut machine for this experiment. Once the test sample is
installed into the machine, an axial load is then applied to the column through the
hydraulic cylinder. This load is applied by turning the hand crank clockwise.
Although the load is being applied axially, the dial indicator produces a slight side
loading that causes deflection to occur almost immediately. As the column is loaded,
the dial indicator will measure the deflection in the beam. The cross member that
houses the indicator can be moved laterally to place the indicator at the location on
the column with maximum deflection. This machine can simulate both pinned and
clamped end conditions. For a clamped end condition, the end of the column is
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simply clamped into the fixture. For the pinned end condition, the clamp is tightened
without the column in it. The column is then slid into the V-shaped groove.
Although there will be some side loading from the V-shaped groove, it is negligible,
allowing the assumption of a pinned end.

Theory:



Under compression above a critical load (Pcr), a column may experience a sudden
change in its configuration. This phenomenon is called column buckling.

A. Euler formula
In one way, Eulers formula (Eq. 6-1) gives the expression to determine this critical
load.

2
2
e
cr
L
EI
P

= (6-1)
Here, the value of effective length Le depends on the end conditions of columns.


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B. Secant Formula
In another way, column buckling can be viewed as a result of eccentric compression
load, which causes bending of the column.

As shown in the above figure, the maximum deflection of the column can expressed
using Secant formula (Eq. 6-2).

(
(

|
|
.
|

\
|
= 1
2
sec
max
cr
P
P
e y

(6-2)

Deliverables:
1. Document this experiment with a formal lab report following the report
guidelines set forth in the ME 272 lab manual.
2. For theory section, present and discuss the equations and the derivation of the
equations that were used to determine the calculated value of P
cr
3. For each end condition, create plots showing the load-deflection relationship
using experimental data as well as the determined load-deflection function.
and the
experimentally obtained value.
4. Be sure to compare the experimentally determine value for P
cr

with the value
obtained using Eulers formula.
Hints:
The secant formula will still have 2 unknown values, e and Pcr, after you insert the
experimentally obtained values. To solve this, you must use 2 data points to give you
2 equations. Once you have two equations, divide one of them by the other to
eliminate e. Because the other unknown is within a secant function, it is easiest to set
up the function in a spreadsheet using a range of test numbers to find the value of Pcr
that satisfies the equation. Use several combinations of points to evaluate the
function, returning several values of Pcr that can be averaged. To choose your
various combinations of points, plot your experimental data and choose pairs of
points that lie in the same linear portion of the curve.
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Buckling of Columns
ME 272 Experiment #6
Pre-Lab Assignment

Find the critical load (in Newtons) using the Euler formula for each of three end
conditions (pinned / pinned, pinned / clamped, clamped / clamped) for a rectangular
aluminum (E =
6
10.5 10 psi) specimen of the following dimensions:

L = 1.15 m
w = 1.0 cm
d = 1.5 mm