ST153 · Euler Buckling

Experimental apparatus for the investigation of elastic buckling in slender bars

A load mechanism applies a compressive force along the axis of a slender bar; a dial gauge records the lateral deflection, while a force gauge reads the compressive load. By exchanging the end fittings (pinned or clamped at each end) the student reproduces all four classical Euler cases and verifies

F_{cr} = \pi^2 EI / L_e^{\,2}

from a force–deflection plot. A set of bars in two materials and four cross-sections isolates the individual roles of

E

I

and

L

in the critical load.

Experiments

Demonstration of elastic buckling of a slender bar
Testing Euler's theory on elastic bars
Investigation of buckling behaviour under the influence of:
- different supports (pinned or fixed at each end)
- different cross-sections
- different materials
- additional shear forces
Measurement of compressive force and lateral deflection
Calculation of the expected buckling force from Euler's formula
Graphical analysis of the force–deflection curve

Test bars

Steel bars 3 × 600 × 20 × 4 mm

Aluminium bars 2 × 600 × 25 × 6 mm; 1 × Ø 10 × 600 mm (round); 1 × 600 × 15 × 2 mm

End fittings pinned or clamped — selectable per end

Measurement

Compressive load force gauge, 2…5 kN

Lateral deflection dial gauge, 0…10 mm, graduation 0.01 mm

Lateral load (shear) calibrated hanger + weights, applied via cable and pulley

Load set

Weights 1 × 5 N hanger + 3 × 5 N

Delivery

Load mechanism with force gauge
Set of 7 test bars (3 steel, 4 aluminium)
2 dial gauges, cable, pulley, support, weight set
Storage case with foam inlay, instruction manual

30 kg

Part of package

Fundamentals of Structural Mechanics

A complete set of experimental modules covering the core topics in strength of materials — elastic line, torsion, Euler buckling, frame deformation, plastic bending, and static equilibrium.

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