Practical Experiment: Numerical Modelling of Column Buckling Analysis

This practical assignment, conducted by Bryn Lewis, focuses on the numerical modeling and analysis of column buckling under applied loads using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. The experiment is divided into four parts, each exploring the deformation of a column under stress, including parabolic, circular arc, and sine curve shapes. The analysis investigates critical loads, internal and external moments, and the impact of varying amplitudes on the buckling behavior. The study aims to answer key questions regarding the existence of a critical load, its dependency on the column's deformation shape, and the influence of the deformed shape's amplitude. The results demonstrate the relationship between applied force and the column's response, culminating in an examination of Euler's buckling load and its effect on the column's stability. The assignment offers a comprehensive understanding of column buckling phenomena, providing insights into the conditions that lead to structural failure and the factors that influence it.