Structural buckling theoretical background

Structural Buckling analyses (also known as Eigenvalue buckling analyses) examine the geometric stability of models under primarily axial load. Buckling can be catastrophic if it occurs in the normal use of most products. Once the geometry starts to deform, it can no longer withstand even a fraction of the initially applied force. The Euler equation calculates the critical buckling load and is mathematically defined as:

Where

• F = Critical buckling force
• E = Modulus of elasticity
• I = Area moment of inertia of the cross section
• L = Unsupported length of the column
• K = Column effective length factor, this value depends on the end conditions of the column. In the software, the end conditions are captured with the buckling modes.

Important: Structural buckling is determining the buckling load based on fully elastic buckling assumptions. It is assumed that all materials are below yield stress regardless of the magnitude of the buckling load. A high buckling load factor does not necessarily mean that a structure is safe. In a shorter column, the critical buckling load is much larger at which point it may surpass the yield stress of the material. It is recommended to run both a Static Stress analysis and a Structural Buckling analysis.