Mechanics of Materials IV:

Deflections, Buckling, Combined Loading, & Failure Theories

Dr. Wayne Whiteman
Senior Academic Professional and Director of the Office of Student Services
Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering
 Mechanics of Materials IV:Deflections,Buckling,Combined
Loading,&Failure Theories
 Beam Curvature
 Singularity Functions for Beam Deflections
 Beam Deflections by Superposition
 Statically Indeterminate Beams
 Column Buckling
 Combined Static Loading
 Theories of Failure
Module 14 Learning Outcomes
• Define column buckling
• Derive the differential equation for column
buckling
 Column Buckling
A simple column is a long, straight, prismatic
bar subjected to compressive, axial loads
P
If beam remains straight,
analyze using techniques from
“Mechanics of Materials: Part I

Buckling occurs if the column

begins to deform laterally. The
deflection can become large
and lead to catastrophic failure.
Buckling is a large sudden
deformation of a structure due
to a small increase of the
existing load.

P
 Column Buckling
A simple column is a long, straight, prismatic
bar subjected to compressive, axial loads
P P Buckling is when a stable
equilibrium becomes unstable.
During initial compression, if a
slight perturbation is laterally
induced and the load is
removed, the column returns to
its straight configuration.
When buckling occurs, a critical
value is reached at which, when
perturbed laterally, the column
will not return to the straight
configuration.
For long slender columns, the
critical buckling occurs at stress
levels below the proportional
limit of the material . This type
of buckling is an elastic
P P phenomenon.
 Column Buckling
Euler buckling – long slender columns
Leonhard Euler - Swiss mathematician (1707-1783)
P
What is the minimum axial
. compressive load that will
cause buckling?

.
exaggerated shape when loaded
P
 Column Buckling
What is the minimum axial compressive load that
will cause buckling?
  y
P x P

y L
 x
2
MR
L/2
x P
y Recall
Differential equation for the
elastic curve
2
d y
E I 2
 M R  P   y 
dx

P
2
d y P
2
 y 
dx EI EI
P
exaggerated shape when loaded