DLDIVE-LDEngineering Learning
Printable machine-design reference · V0.8

Buckling & Factor-of-Safety Reference

Quick reference for Euler column stability and explicit scalar safety-factor checks.

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DIVE-LD reference

Buckling & Safety Factors

Verification

Euler buckling

Pcr = π²EI/(KL)²

Le = KL

r = √(I/A)

λ = KL/r

Ideal K values

  • Pinned–pinned: 1.0
  • Fixed–free: 2.0
  • Fixed–pinned: ≈0.699
  • Fixed–fixed: 0.5

Scalar safety factor

n = strength / applied stress

σallow = strength / nrequired

Always identify the chosen failure criterion.

Separate checks

  • Yield / plastic collapse
  • Fatigue
  • Buckling / local buckling
  • Fracture
  • Creep / temperature
  • Contact / wear