Beam and Column Calculator dialog box - Column Calculation tab

Sets parameters for calculation of a column.

Access:

Ribbon: Design tab

Frame panel

Beam/Column Calculator

, and switch to the Column Calculation tab

Loads

Specifies the input force, coefficient for end conditions, and maximum loaded column length.

Axial Load

Specify the maximum operating force. Its direction is displayed on the schematic image showing individual end types.

Coefficient for End Conditions

Enter the coefficient according to the schematic picture containing end types in the main dialog box. These values are theoretical only. Also take into account the mounting clearance and elasticity.

Click the button next to the edit field to display a schematic image that enables you to specify the coefficient value. Select the appropriate column, and click OK. The value of the coefficient is transferred to the Column Calculation tab.

Required Safety Factor

Set the appropriate value for the required safety margin (usually in the range of 2 - 10).

Column

Enter the values for column calculation. Edit fields are disabled if the calculator could not transfer the appropriate data from the Autodesk Inventor object. The disabled values correspond with entered parameters in the Model tab.

Enter the values for column length, section area, and least moment of inertia.

Graphical area

In the graphical area, the graphs of critical stress according to the slenderness ratio are displayed.

Results

To display the Results area on the right side of the Calculation tab, double-click the double line on the right or click the chevron.

Displays the calculated dimensions values such as slenderness ratio. Click Calculate to display the values. The units of the calculated results values can be changed. Double-click the specified value you want to change.

The following output parameters are displayed in the Results pane:

Results
- Slenderness ratio (λ)
- Least radius of gyration (j min )
Rankine formula
- Rankine's critical stress (σ R )
- Rankine's critical force (F crR )
- Rankine's maximum force (F maxR )
- Rankine's calculated safety factor (k scR )
Euler formula
- Euler's critical stress (σ E )
- Euler's critical force (F crE )
- Euler's maximum force (F maxE )
- Euler's calculated safety factor (k scE )
Johnson formula
- Johnson's critical stress (σ E )
- Johnson's critical force (F crJ )
- Johnson's maximum force (F maxJ )
- Johnson's calculated safety factor (k scJ )
Pure Pressure
- Pressure stress (σ P )
- Critical force (F crP )
- Maximum Force (F maxP )
- Calculated safety factor (k scP )

Note: For more information on the calculated parameters, see the Engineer's Handbook.

Summary of Messages

Displays the reports about calculation. To open the Summary of Messages area at the bottom of the Calculation and Design tabs, double-click the double line at the bottom of tabs or click the chevron at the bottom of the tabs.

Toolbar Commands