Question

Which of the following is true for ideal column compressed by an axial load (P)?

• A. Column will be in unstable equilibrium if P < P critical
• B. Column will buckle if P < Pcritical
• C. Column will be in stable equilibrium if P < P critical
• D. Column will be in stable equilibrium if P > Pcritical

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Column will be in stable equilibrium if P < P critical

The maximum load a column can bear before buckling or having lateral displacement is known as buckling or crippling load. The column will be in stable equilibrium if the load is less than the critical load. Euler's column formulas can be used to analyze load columns. The formula is $P =\frac{n ^ 2 \pi ^ 2 EI}{L ^ 2}$ where n is the end condition factor, L is the effective length, E is the modulus of elasticity, and I is the moment of inertia.