Ideal slender member
Elastic stability
Inputs
The effective-length factor is part of the ideal model.
Distance between lateral restraints.
Elastic material property used by the ideal model.
Use the smaller principal-axis value.
Gross section area, used for slenderness and the squash-load comparison.
Material yield used only to check that buckling governs before squashing.
Results
Effective lengthKL
1,500
Ideal elastic critical loadPcr
219.32
Slenderness ratioλ
103.92
1Pcr = π²EI / (KL)²
A first-pass number, not a code check, certification, or approval. Read the method and its limits below. What this is and is not.
Nearby: Axial response · Beam deflection & reactions · Solid-shaft torsion · Baseline L10 life
Method
Formula, when it applies, and when it does not
Estimate an ideal elastic critical load while keeping end conditions and model exclusions in view.
Pcr = π²EI / (KL)²
When
- Central loading
- Ideal geometry
- Elastic slender-member model
Don’t
- This is an ideal elastic stability estimate. It excludes imperfections, residual stress, eccentricity, inelastic behavior, connection restraint, and code-required resistance checks.
Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design — Euler column buckling and effective length