The Mechanical Engineering Handbook



Eulers Buckling Load

Eulers Buckling Load Equation



$$ P_{cr} = \frac{{\pi}^{2}EI}{(KL)^{2}}$$ where:

Pcr   =   Eulers critical load   (N)

E   =   Youngs Modulus   (N/m² or Pa)

I   =   Second moment of area of the columns cross section   (mm4 or m4)

L   =   Length   (m or cm)

K   =   Column effective length factor


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Equation Assumptions



  • The material behaves according to Hookes law, i.e. it is linearly elastic.
  • The column is perfectly straight with no initial imperfections.
  • The deflections of the column are small compared to its length when under load.
  • The column has a uniform cross-sectional area along its length.
  • The ends of the column are perfectly pinned.
  • The length is significantly greater than the columns cross-sectional area.
  • The load applied is purely axial and does not include bending moments or lateral forces.