Learning Module 5 Buckling Analysis PDF

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Learning Module 5
Buckling Analysis
Title Page Guide
What is a Learning Module?
A Learning Module (LM) is a structured, concise, and self-sufficient learning resource. An
LM provides the learner with the required content in a precise and concise manner, enabling
the learner to learn more efficiently and effectively. It has a number of characteristics that
distinguish it from a traditional textbook or textbook chapter:
An LM is learning objective driven, and its scope is clearly defined and bounded. The
module is compact and precise in presentation, and its core material contains only
contents essential for achieving the learning objectives. Since an LM is inherently
concise, it can be learned relatively quickly and efficiently.
An LM is independent and free-standing. Module-based learning is therefore nonsequential and flexible, and can be personalized with ease.
Presenting the material in a contained and precise fashion will allow the user to learn
effectively, reducing the time and effort spent and ultimately improving the learning
experience. This is the first module on thermal analysis and provides the user with the
necessary tools to complete a thermal FEM study with different boundary conditions. It goes
through all of the steps necessary to successfully complete an analysis, including geometry
creation, material selection, boundary condition specification, meshing, solution, and
validation. These steps are first covered conceptually and then worked through directly as
they are applied to an example problem.
Estimated Learning Time for This Module
Estimated learning time for this LM is equivalent to three 50-minute lectures, or one week of
study time for a 3 credit hour course.
How to Use This Module
The learning module is organized in sections. Each section contains a short explanation and a
link to where that section can be found. The explanation will give you an idea of what
content is in each section. The link will allow you to complete the parts of the module you
are interested in, while being able to skip any parts that you might already be familiar with.
The modularity of the LM allows for an efficient use of your time.
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Table of Contents
1. Learning Objectives ................................................................................................................ 3
2. Prerequisites ............................................................................................................................ 3
3. Pre-Test ................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Tutorial Problem Statements................................................................................................... 4
5. Conceptual Analysis ............................................................................................................... 7
6. Abstract Modeling .................................................................................................................. 8
7. Software-Specific FEM Tutorials ........................................................................................... 8
8. Post-Test ................................................................................................................................. 8
9. Practice Problems.................................................................................................................... 8
10. Assessment ............................................................................................................................ 9
Attachment A. Pre-Test ............................................................................................................ 10
Attachment B. Conceptual Analysis ......................................................................................... 12
Attachment C1. SolidWorks-Specific FEM Tutorial 1............................................................. 15
Attachment D. CometSolution-Specific FEM Tutorials ........................................................... 69
Attachment E. Post-Test ........................................................................................................... 70
Attachment F. Practice Problems .............................................................................................. 73
Attachment G. Solutions to Practice Problems ......................................................................... 76
Attachment H. Assessment ....................................................................................................... 79
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1. Learning Objectives
The objective of this module is to introduce the user to the process of structural buckling analysis
using FEM. Upon completion of the module, the user should have a good understanding of the
necessary logical steps of an FEM analysis, and be able to perform the following tasks:
Creating the solid geometry

Assigning material properties
Applying thermal boundary conditions
Meshing
Running the analysis
Verifying model correctness
Processing needed results
2. Prerequisites
In order to complete the learning module successfully, the following prerequisites are required:
By subject area:
o Statics
o Mechanics of Materials or Elasticity
By topic:
o Column end conditions
o Column effective lengths
o Eulers Formula
o Youngs modulus
o Stress and critical stress
o Loads and critical loads
o Modification factors
3. Pre-Test
The pre-test should be taken before taking other sections of the module. The purpose of the pretest is to assess the user's prior knowledge in subject areas relevant to mechanics of materials and
buckling analysis. Questions are focused towards fundamental concepts including Eulers
Formula, column end conditions, stress, and critical loads.
The pre-test for this module given in Attachment I.
Link to Pre-test
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4. Tutorial Problem Statements
A good tutorial problem should focus on the logical steps in FEM modeling and demonstrate as
many aspects of the FEM software as possible. It should also be simple in mechanics with an
analytical solution available for validation. Three tutorial problems are covered in this learning
module.
Tutorial Problem 1
A 3.5m long column made of AISI 304 steel has a square cross-section with dimensions of
100mm x 100mm. This column is used to support a 10 MPa pressure load in multiple setups
with varying end conditions. Use FEM analysis to find the buckling load factor (BLF) and
critical pressure load (Pc) of the column in each separate circumstance. The end conditions are
as follows:
a)
b)
c)
d)
One fixed end and one free end (fixed-free)

Two fixed ends (fixed-fixed)
One fixed end and one pinned end (fixed-pinned)
Two pinned ends (pinned-pinned)
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Tutorial Problem 2
A 3.6 m long L-shaped column made of AISI 304 steel has dimensions as shown in the figure
below. The column contains sixty 60 mm diameter holes as seen in the figure below. This
column is used to support a 6 MPa pressure load in multiple setups with varying end conditions.
Use FEM analysis to find the buckling load factor (BLF) and critical pressure load (Pc) of the
column in each separate circumstance. The end conditions are as follows:
a) One fixed end and one free end (fixed-free)
b) Two fixed ends (fixed-fixed)
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Tutorial Problem 3
Honeycomb structures are known for their high strength to weight ratios. For simplicity,
consider a single honeycomb component with a foil thickness (t) of 0.025mm, a cell size (l) of
3.175mm and a core height (h) of 12.7mm. The material used for the manufacturing of the
honeycomb structure is Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V Titanium Alloy and the structure is loaded with a
200,000 Mpa pressure load. For this problem, compare the nominal stress and stress/weight ratio
of this honeycomb data to a solid block of the same dimensions.
Honeycomb
Solid Block
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5. Conceptual Analysis
Conceptual analysis is the abstraction of the logical steps in performing a task or solving a
problem. Conceptual analysis for FEM simulation is problem type dependent but softwareindependent, and is fundamental in understanding and solving the problem.
Conceptual analysis for buckling analysis reveals the following general logical steps:
1. Pre-processing
o Geometry creation
o Material property assignment
o Boundary condition specification
o Mesh generation
2. Solution
3. Post-processing
4. Validation
Attachment II discusses the conceptual analysis for the tutorial problem in this module.
Link to Conceptual Analysis
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6. Abstract Modeling
Abstract modeling is a process pioneered by CometSolutions Inc. Abstract modeling enables all
attributes of an FEM model (such as material properties, constraints, loads, mesh, etc.) to be
defined independently in an abstract fashion, thus reducing model complexity without affecting
model accuracy with respect to the simulation objective. It detaches attributes from one another,
and emphasizes conceptual understanding rather than focusing on software specifics. Evidently,
abstract modeling is independent of the specific software being used. This is a fundamental
departure from the way most FEM packages operate.
Conceptual analysis focuses on the abstraction of steps necessary for an FEM simulation, while
abstract modeling focuses on the abstraction and modularization of attributes that constitute an
FEM model. They are powerful enabling instruments in FEM teaching and learning.
Link to Abstract Modeling

7. Software-Specific FEM Tutorials
In software-specific FEM tutorial section, the tutorial problem is solved step by step in a
particular software package. This section fills in the details of the conceptual analysis as outlined
in previous section. It provides step by step details that correspond to the pre-processing,
solution, post-processing and validation phases using a particular software package.
Two commercial FEM packages are covered in this module: SolidWorks and CometSolution.
Below are the two links:
Link to SolidWorks FEM Tutorial 1
Link to CometSolution FEM Tutorials
8. Post-Test
The post-test will be taken upon completion of the module. The first part of the post-test is from
the pre-test to test knowledge gained by the user, and the second part is focused on the FEM
simulation process covered by the tutorial.
Link to Post-Test
9. Practice Problems
The user should be able to solve practice problems after completing this module. The practice
problems provide a good reinforcement of the knowledge and skills learned in the module, and
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can be assigned as homework problems in teaching or self study problems to enhance learning.
These problems are similar to the tutorial problems worked in the module, but they involve
different geometries and thermal boundary conditions.
Link to Practice Problems

Link to Solutions for Practice Problems
10. Assessment
The assessment is provided as a way to receive feedback about the module. The user evaluates
several categories of the learning experience, including interactive learning, the module format,
its effectiveness and efficiency, the appropriateness of the sections, and the overall learning
experience. There is also the opportunity to give suggestions or comments about the module.
Link to Assessment
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Attachment A. Pre-Test
1.
The internal force per unit area acting inside a body when forces are applied to the body is
called:
O
O
O
O
2.
A column will remain stable as long as the applied load does not exceed the:
O
O
O
O
3.
Bernoullis Equation
Fouriers Law
Newtons Law
Eulers Formula
The slenderness ratio of a column is defined as the columns:

O
O
O
O
5.
Maximum load
Critical load
Weight of the column
Minimum load
The engineering principle commonly used for column analysis is:

O
O
O
O
4.
Stress
Strain
Displacement
Reaction
Width divided by the length

Length divided by the radius of gyration
Area divided by the volume
Weight divided by the volume
The slenderness ratio of a column can also be roughly interpreted as the columns aspect
ratio:
O True
O False
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6.
The constant C used in column buckling calculations is known as the:

O
O
O
O
7.
Load constant
Stress constant
End condition constant
Material constant
The buckling of a column will only occur under compression loads.

O True
O False
8.
The critical buckling load of a column depends on the:

O
O
O
O
9.
Elastic modulus of the material

Slimness of the column
End restraint conditions
All of the above
In which of the following column categories is buckling in control rather than yielding?
O
O
O
O
Long columns
Short columns
Intermediate columns
None of the above
10. I long column is one considered to have a slenderness ratio greater than or equal to:
O
O
O
O
10
50
100
200
Click to continue
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Attachment B. Conceptual Analysis
Conceptual Analysis of Buckling Simulation

Conceptual analysis for a buckling problem using finite element analysis reveals that the
following logical steps and sub-steps are needed:
1. Pre-processing (building the model)
1. Geometry creation
2. Material property assignment
3. Boundary condition specification
4. Mesh generation
2. Solution (running the simulation)
3. Post-processing (getting results)
4. Validation (checking)
The above steps are explained in some detail as follows.
1. Pre-processing
The pre-processing in FEM simulation is analogous to building the structure or making the
specimen in physical testing. Several sub-steps involved in pre-processing are geometry creation,
material property assignment, boundary condition specification, and mesh generation.
The geometry of the structure to be analyzed is defined in the geometry creation step. After the
solid geometry is created, the material properties of the solid are specified in the material
property assignment step. The material properties required for the FEM analysis depends on the
type of analysis. For example, in the buckling analysis of an isotropic material under isothermal
conditions, only the modulus of elasticity, Poissons ratio, and the mass density are needed.
For most novice users of FEM, the boundary condition specification step is often the most
challenging of all pre-processing steps. Two types of boundary conditions are possible. The first
is prescribed displacement boundary condition which is analogous to holding or supporting the
specimen in physical testing. The second is applied force boundary condition which is analogous
to loading the specimen. Several factors contribute to the challenge of applying boundary
conditions correctly:
1) Prescribed displacement boundary conditions expressed in terms such as
u
const are mathematical simplifications, and frequently
u boundarya const or
x boundaryb
only represent supports in real structures approximately. As a result, choosing a good
approximate mathematical representation can be a challenge.
2) How a boundary is restrained depends also on the element type. For example, for the
"clamped" or "built-in" support, a boundary should be restrained as having zero nodal
displacement if solid element is used, while for the same support, the boundary should be
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restrained as having zero nodal displacement and zero nodal rotation if shell element is
used.
3) Frequently, the structure to be analyzed is not fully restrained from rigid body motion in
the original problem statement. In order to obtain an FEM solution, auxiliary restraints
become necessary. Over-restraining the model, however, leads to spurious stress results.
The challenge is then adding auxiliary restraints to eliminate the possibility of rigid body
motion without over-restraining the structure.
Because of the above challenges, one learning module will be devoted to boundary condition
specification.
Mesh generation is the process of discretizing the body into finite elements and assembling the
discrete elements into an integral structure that approximates the original body. Most FEM
packages have their own default meshing parameters to mesh the model and run the analysis
while providing ways for the user to refine the mesh.
2. Solution
The solution is the process of solving the governing equations resulting from the discretized
FEM model. Although the mathematics for the solution process can be quite involved, this step
is transparent to the user and is usually as simple as clicking a solution button or issuing the
solution command.
3. Post-processing
The purpose of an FEM analysis is to obtain desired results, and this is the goal of the postprocessing step. Typically, various components or measures such as the buckling load factors
(BLFs) and displacements are available at any given location within the structure. The method
for outputting these values is dependent upon the FEM software.
4. Validation
Although validation is not a formal part of the FEM analysis, its inclusion in the process is very
important. Blindly trusting an FEM simulation without first checking its correctness can be
dangerous. The validation step usually involves comparing FEM results at one or more selected
positions with exact or approximate solutions. These exact or approximate solutions are derived
using classical approaches covered in mechanics of materials or elasticity courses. Carrying out
the validation step also strengthens conceptual understanding and enhances learning.
Conceptual Analysis of a Given Problem
The goal of the FEM simulation is to analyze the behavior of the solid with the given forces and
end conditions. The first tutorial problem shows an AISI 304 steel beam being utilized as a
column. This column supports a pressure load on one end under four different conditions. Each
of these end conditions will result in different BLFs and critical loads. Conceptual analysis of
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the current problem is described below. Remember, because there are four separate column
arrangements, the following steps must be completed four times.
1. Pre-processing (building the model)
The geometry of the structure is first created using the design feature of the FEM package. Next,
a material is assigned to the solid model. In the given problem, the material of the beam is given
as AISI 304 steel. Depending on the software, the material is either directly selected as steel from
the material library, or the properties of the material given in the problem are inputted directly.
After assigning the material properties, the boundary conditions are specified. This problem has
2 different end conditions that need to be applied. The fixed end conditions require a fixed
restraint which means zero displacement for all boundary nodes due to the solid mesh. The
pinned end conditions will require a special restraint to allow rotation about the pin. The
pressure load is applied to the top face of the column. These restraints and loads can be
accomplished in different ways depending on the different software being used.
The next step is to mesh the solid to discretize it into finite elements. Generally, commercial
FEA software has automatic default meshing parameters such as average element size of the
mesh, quality of the mesh, etc. Here the default parameters provided by the software are used.
2. Solution (running the simulation)
The next step is to run the simulation and obtain a solution. Usually the software provides
several solver options. The default solver usually works well. For some problems, a particular
solver may be faster or give more accurate results.
3. Post-processing (getting results)
After the analysis is complete, the post-processing steps are performed. Results such as buckling
load factors and displacements can viewed at this point.
4. Validation (checking)
Validation is the final step in the analysis process. In this step, the critical load and buckling load
factor is calculated by hand. These analytical solutions are compared with the software generated
results to check the validity of the analysis.
This completes the Conceptual Analysis section. Click the link below to continue with the
learning module.
Click to continue
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Attachment C1. SolidWorks-Specific FEM Tutorial 1
Overview: In this section, three tutorial problems will be solved using the commercial FEM
software SolidWorks. Although the underlying principles and logical steps of an FEM simulation
identified in the Conceptual Analysis section are independent of any particular FEM software,
the realization of conceptual analysis steps will be software dependent. The SolidWorks-specific
steps are described in this section.
This is a step-by-step tutorial. However, it is designed such that those who are familiar with the
details in a particular step can skip it and go directly into the next step.
Tutorial Problem 1. A pressure loaded column is subjected to four different environments

with different end conditions
0. Launching SolidWorks
SolidWorks Simulation is an integral part of the SolidWorks computer aided design software
suite. The general user interface of SolidWorks is shown in Figure 1.
Main menu
Frequently used command icons
Help icon
Roll over to
display
File,
Tools and
other menus
Figure 1: General user interface of SolidWorks.

In order to perform FEM analysis, it is necessary to enable the FEM component, called
SolidWorks Simulation, in the software.
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Step 1: Enabling SolidWorks Simulation

o Click "Tools" in the main menu. Select "Add-ins...". The Add-ins dialog window
appears, as shown in Figure 2.
o Check the boxes in both the Active Add-ins and Start Up columns corresponding
to SolidWorks Simulation.
o Checking the Active Add-ins box enables the SolidWorks for the current session.
Checking the Start Up box enables the SolidWorks for all future sessions whenever
SolidWorks starts up.
Check
SolidWorks
Simulation boxes
Figure 2: Location of the SolidWorks icon and
the boxes to be checked for adding it to the panel.
Because this tutorial problem is divided into four parts, this tutorial will be formatted slightly
different than in the other available learning modules. The problem requests four different
column buckling studies; fixed-free, fixed-fixed, fixed-pinned and pinned-pinned. It is possible
to create four separate studies within one part file. However, this greatly reduces the
performance of the simulation software and leads to a significant increase in the time required to
complete this LM. Thus, only one study will be created. This study will be modified throughout
the module to simulate each individual setup and end conditions. The first setup to be evaluated
is the fixed-free condition.
Fixed-Free End Conditions

1. Pre-Processing
Purpose: The purpose of pre-processing is to create an FEM model for use in the next step of the
simulation, Solution. It consists of the following sub-steps:
Geometry creation
Material property assignment
Boundary condition specification
Mesh generation.
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1.1 Geometry Creation

The purpose of Geometry Creation is to create a geometrical representation of the solid object or
structure to be analyzed in FEM. In SolidWorks such a geometric model is called a part. In this
tutorial, the necessary part has already been created in SolidWorks. The following steps will
open up the part for use in the FEM analysis.
Step 1: Opening the part for simulation. One of the following two options can be used.
o Option1: Double click the following icon to open the embedded part file,
Plain_Column.SLDPRT, in SolidWorks.
Click SolidWorks part file icon to open it ==>
Plain_Column.SLDPR
T
o Option 2: Download the part file Plain_Column.SLDPRT from the web site
http://www.femlearning.org/. Use the File menu in SolidWorks to open the
downloaded part.
The SolidWorks model tree will appear with the given part name at the top. Above the model
tree, there should be various tabs labeled Features, Sketch, etc. If the Simulation tab is not
visible, refer back to steps 1 and 2 in order to enable the SolidWorks Simulation package.
Step 2: Creating a Study
o Click the Simulation tab above the model tree
o Under the
drop-down menu select New Study
o In the box under Name type in Plain Column Buckling Study
o Select Buckling underneath Type as in Figure 3
o Click
to create the study
Figure 3: Creating a buckling study

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1.2 Material Property Assignment

The next step in FEM analysis is to apply the material properties to the column. The material is
given in the problem as AISI 304 and the SolidWorks libraries can be used to apply the material
properties.
Step 3: Applying the material
o
o
o
o
Select
in the upper left hand corner of the Simulation ribbon
In left-hand section, expand the SolidWorks Materials folder
Expand the Steel section and choose AISI 304
Make sure the Linear Elastic Isotropic option is selected under Model Type
and units are in SI
o Verify the settings with Figure 4 and click OK
Figure 4: Material property manager in SolidWorks
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1.3 Boundary Condition Specification
Since this is a buckling study, the boundary conditions will consist of fixed and/or pinned
connections of the column known as fixtures. The following steps will apply the different end
conditions to the column using fixtures.
The first step will be to apply the boundary conditions for the column with fixed-free end
conditions. Because the top end of the column is free, only one fixture will be applied to the
bottom face of the column for this study.
Step 4: Applying the fixed end condition to the bottom face
o Click on the
icon in the upper left corner of the simulation ribbon to drop
down the fixture menu
o Select Fixed Geometry
o With the colored box highlighted, select the lower face of the column as seen in
Figure 5
o Click
to create the fixed boundary condition
Figure 5: Applying a fixed boundary condition
The next step is to load the column with the designated pressure load. Due to the nature of
columns, the pressure load will be applied to the top face of the column.
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Step 5: Applying the pressure load
o Click on the
down the external load menu
o Select Pressure
o With the colored box highlighted, select the upper face of the column as seen in
Figure 6
o Ensure that units of N/mm^2 (MPa) are selected and enter 10 for the magnitude
o If necessary, check the Reverse direction box such that the arrows are pointing
down on the top face
o Click
to create the pressure load
Figure 6: Applying the pressure load

1.4 Mesh Generation
Purpose: The purpose of the Mesh Generation sub-step is to discretize the part into elements.
The mesh consists of a network of these elements. Because a fine mesh is not needed in this
example, large element sizes will be used to decrease the required solver running time.
Step 6: Meshing the model
o Right click on the
icon in the model tree
o Select Create Mesh
o Drag the mesh density bar to the Coarse setting as shown in Figure 7
o Click
to create the mesh
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Figure 7: Meshing the model
2. Solution
Purpose: The Solution is the step where the computer solves the simulation problem and
generates results for use in the Post-Processing step.
Step 1: Running the simulation
o Within the simulation ribbon, click
o When the analysis is finished, the
icon will appear on the model tree
3. Post-Processing
Purpose: The purpose of the Post-Processing step is to process the results of interest. For this
problem, the buckling load factor (BLF) will need to be acquired in order to calculate the critical
pressure load of the column. This BLF value can also help describe the presence of buckling in
the column. The following table is SolidWorks interpretation of possible BLF values.
BLF Value
Buckling Status
1 < BLF
Buckling not predicted
0 < BLF < 1
Buckling predicted
BLF = 1
Buckling predicted
BLF = -1
-1 < BLF < 0

BLF < -1

Notes
The applied loads are less than the estimated critical
loads. Buckling is not expected.
The applied loads exceed the estimated critical loads.
Buckling is expected.
The applied loads are exactly equal to the estimated
critical loads. Buckling is expected.
The buckling occurs when the directions of the applied
loads are all reversed. For example, if a bar is under
tensile load, the BLF should be negative. The bar will
never buckle.
Buckling is predicted if you reverse all loads.
Buckling is not expected even if you reverse all loads.
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SolidWorks makes it very easy to acquire the BLF of any loaded part. Follow the next step in
order to observe this data.
Step 1: Displaying the Buckling Load Factor
o Select List Buckling Load Factors
o Observe the BLF value
o Select Save to save the BLF value
Now that the buckling load factor has been determined, it can be used to calculate the critical
load of the column. In order to do this, simply multiply the BLF by the applied load. This will
give the critical load of the column. Therefore:
Pcr = Critical Pressure Load = BLF x Applied Load = 3.1929(10MPa) = 31.93 MPa
4. Validation
Purpose: The purpose of the Validation step is to compare FEM solutions with analytical
solutions, or known published results, to validate the correctness of the FEM model.
To check the validity of the SolidWorks answers, hand calculations must be carried out to
determine the theoretical critical/buckling load of the column. Eulers formula will be used to
carry out these calculations. This formula is as follows:
Where C is the end condition constant, E is the materials modulus of elasticity, I is the second
moment of inertia (or area moment of inertia), l is the column length, and A is the cross-sectional
area. The end condition constant C can be determined from the table below.
Column End
Conditions
Fixed - Free
Fixed - Fixed
Fixed - Pinned
Pinned - Pinned
Theoretical
Value
4
2
1
Conservative
Value
1
1
1
Recommended
Value
1.2
1.2
1
From this table, it can be determined that the end condition constant C has a value of for the
fixed-free boundary conditions. The modulus of elasticity (E) value for AISI 304 steel is also
defined as 193 GPa while the length of the column is given in the problem statement as 3.5 m.
The columns area moment of inertia (I) is calculated by the equation:
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Where b is the base dimension and h is the height dimension of a rectangular cross-section.
Because the column has a square cross section, b = h = 100 mm. Therefore:
Therefore, the critical pressure load can be calculated as:
The SolidWorks and hand calculated results are shown in the below table along with the percent
difference in results.
Pcr
SolidWorks
31.93
Hand Calculations
32.40
Percent Difference
-1.45%
Fixed-Fixed End Conditions
1. Pre-Processing
Because many of the steps necessary for this study have already been covered in the fixed-free
study, these steps will be skipped in the following three studies.
These steps were completed in the fixed-free study and, therefore, need not be repeated.
The material properties were already assigned in the previous study. Because the same material
is being used in each study, this step can be skipped.
The previous study was composed of fixed-free boundary conditions on the column. In this
study, fixed-fixed end conditions are required. Since a fixed boundary condition was applied to
the bottom face in the previous study, one of the fixed end conditions is completed.
Next, it is time to apply the fixed end condition to the top face of the column. The top fixture
must be modified in order to allow free vertical displacement. To allow only vertical
displacement, a boundary condition must be applied to each side face to prevent horizontal
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displacement. If a fixed geometry were used, each side would be completely restrained and the
column would exhibit no buckling behavior. Therefore, the approach is to apply a reference
geometry to a small portion of each side face near the top of the column to prevent horizontal
movement. The length of each face to be fixed will be setl to half of the columns crosssectional dimension, or 50 mm. A new plane will be used to create a split line which will enable
the use of this approach.
Step 1: Creating a new plane for the split line
o On the main menu, go to Insert -> Reference Geometry -> Plane
o With the First Reference box highlighted, expand the model tree and select the Top
Plane as shown in Figure 8
o Enter 50 for the offset distance
o Check the Flip box if plane was created above the Top Plane
o Click
to create the plane
Figure 8: Creating a new plane
Step 2: Creating a split line

o On the main menu, go to Insert -> Curve -> Split Line
o Under the type of split, select Intersection
o With the first colored box highlighted, expand the model tree and select the plane
created in the previous step
o With the second colored box highlighted, select each side of the column as shown in
Figure 9
o Click
to create the split line
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Figure 9: Creating a split line
Now that a split line has been created, it is possible to apply a reference geometry to each upper
side face created by the split line. This reference geometry will allow vertical displacement but
not horizontal displacement.
Step 3: Applying the fixed end condition to the top face
o Click on the
icon in the upper left corner of the screen to drop down the
fixture menu
o Select Advanced Fixtures
o With the first colored box highlighted, select the four upper side faces created by the
split line
o With the second colored box highlighted, select a top edge traveling in the z-direction
as shown in Figure 10
o Under Translations, enter 0 for the allowable displacement distance
o Click
to create the reference geometry
o Repeat these steps once more using another top edge that is perpendicular to the one
used above (should travel in the x-direction)
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Figure 10: Creating reference geometry

The next step of the pre-processing procedure would typically be to apply any external loads on
the member as required by the problem statement. However, the external load for this study is
exactly the same as the previous study. This means that this step can be skipped as it has already
been completed. Therefore, the next step in the process is mesh generation.
1.4 Mesh Generation
Any time that changes are made within a study, the model must be re-meshed before the
simulation can be run. This is done in the same way as described in the previous study. If
needed, refer back to step 6 in the fixed-free study for a description on how to create the mesh.
2. Solution
3. Post-Processing
Just as in the previous study, use SolidWorks to display the BLF of the fixed-fixed column.
pressure load of the column.
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4. Validation
Finally, hand calculations will be carried out and the solutions will be compared to the FEM
results. Once again, Eulers formula will be used for these calculations.
Because the cross-sectional dimensions and material properties have not changed since the
previous study, the values of E, I and A will remain the same. However, due to the different end
conditions, the value of the end condition constant C will change. This new value can be
determined from the table below.
Column End
Conditions
Fixed - Free
Fixed - Fixed
Fixed - Pinned
Pinned - Pinned
Theoretical
Value
4
2
1
Conservative
Value
1
1
1
Recommended
Value
1.2
1.2
1
When designing a column, a recommended value of 1.2 should be used for C as it instills
somewhat of a safety factor against failure. However, the theoretical value will be used in these
calculations as it will yield results much closer to the actual critical pressure load. The
theoretical C value from the table can be observed as 4. Also, because 50 mm of the columns
length was used as a fixture, the columns length is no longer considered to be 3.5 m. The new
length of the column is 3.5 m minus 50 mm, or 3.45 m. Therefore, the critical pressure load can
be calculated as:
Pcr
SolidWorks
498.92
Hand Calculations
533.47
Percent Difference
-6.48%
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Fixed-Pinned End Conditions
1. Pre-Processing
Because many of the steps necessary for this study have already been covered and completed in
the previous two studies, these steps will not be described in detail and sometimes will be
skipped altogether.
Material properties were assigned in the first study. Because the same material is being used in
each study, this step can be skipped.
The previous study was composed of fixed-fixed boundary conditions on the column. In this
study, fixed-pinned end conditions are desired. Once again, the steps necessary to apply the
fixed boundary condition to the bottom face can be ignored as they have already been completed.
Therefore, the next logical step is to apply a pinned end condition to the top column face.
Because advanced pinned/hinged connections are beyond the scope of this module, a much
simpler procedure will be used. Perpendicular split lines will be created on the top face that
intersect at the center of the face. A reference geometry will be applied to this intersection point
allowing the connection to behave as if it were pinned. Granted, this procedure will not yield a
true pinned connection, but the results will be sufficient for this problem.
Step 1: Creating a new plane for the first split line
o With the First Reference box highlighted, expand the model tree and select the
Front Plane as shown in Figure 11
o Check the Flip box if necessary to place the plane in the middle of the top face
o Click
to create the plane
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Step 2: Creating a new plane for the second split line
o With the First Reference box highlighted, expand the model tree and select the
Right Plane
o Check the Flip box if necessary to place the plane in the middle of the top face
o Click
to create the plane
Now that the planes have been created, they can be used to generate the intersecting split lines on
the top face of the column.
Step 3: Creating the first split line
created in the first step
o With the second colored box highlighted, select the top face of the column as shown
in Figure 12
o Click
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Step 4: Creating the second split line
created in the second step
o With the second colored box highlighted, select both sections on the top face created
by the first split line
o Click
Now that the split lines have been created, it is possible to apply a reference geometry to the
point created by the intersection of the split lines. This reference geometry will allow vertical
displacement but not horizontal displacement.
Step 5: Applying the pinned end condition to the top face
o Click on the
fixture menu
o With the first colored box highlighted, select the intersection point between the
previously created split lines
o With the second colored box highlighted, select a top edge of the column as shown in
Figure 13
o Under Translations, enter a value of zero for the allowable displacement
o Click
o Repeat this step once more using another top edge that is perpendicular to the one
used above
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The next step is to load the column with the designated pressure load. This step was skipped in
the fixed-fixed study as no changes were made to the face on which the load was applied.
However, now that the geometry of the top face has been altered, the pressure load must be
modified to accommodate for these changes. One way to do this is to delete the existing load
and create a new one. However, it will be easier to simply modify the existing external load.
Step 6: Modifying the pressure load

o Right-click on the existing external load and select Edit Definition
o With the colored box highlighted, select all four of the top face sections created by
the two split lines as shown in Figure 14
o Ensure that units are N/mm^2 (MPa) with a magnitude of 10
o Click
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Figure 14: Modifying the pressure load

1.4 Mesh Generation
simulation can be run. If needed, refer back to step 6 in the fixed-free study for a description on
how to create the mesh.
2. Solution
3. Post-Processing
Just as in the previous two studies, use SolidWorks to display the BLF of the column under
fixed-pinned end conditions. Now that the buckling load factor has been determined, it can be
used to calculate the critical pressure load of the column.
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4. Validation
results. Eulers formula will once again be used for these calculations.
previous study, the values of E, I and A will remain the same. The given length of the column
will also remain at 3.5 m. However, due to the different end conditions, the value of the end
condition constant C will change. This new value can be determined from the table below.
Column End
Conditions
Fixed - Free
Fixed - Fixed
Fixed - Pinned
Pinned - Pinned
Theoretical
Value
4
2
1
Conservative
Value
1
1
1
Recommended
Value
1.2
1.2
1
From this table, it can be determined that the end condition constant C has a theoretical value of
2 for the fixed-pinned boundary conditions. Therefore, the critical pressure load can be
calculated as:
Pcr
SolidWorks
259.96
Hand Calculations
259.17
Percent Difference
0.30%
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Pinned-Pinned End Conditions
1. Pre-Processing
Because many of the steps necessary for this study have already been covered and completed in
the previous three studies, these steps will not be described in detail and sometimes will be
skipped altogether.
Material properties were assigned in the first study. Because the same material is being used in
each study, this step can be skipped.
The previous study was composed of fixed-pinned boundary conditions on the column. In this
study, pinned-pinned end conditions are desired. The steps necessary to apply the pinned
boundary condition to the top face can be ignored as they have already been completed in the
fixed-pinned study. Therefore, the next logical step is to apply a pinned end condition to the
bottom face of the column. Because advanced pinned/hinged connections are beyond the scope
of this module, a more simple procedure will be used on the bottom face. This procedure will be
to create a split line on the bottom face and apply a fixed geometry to it. Normally, a new must
be created in order to generate this split line. However, this plane created in the previous study
and this step can be ignored. After the split line is generated, a fixed geometry will be applied to
it, allowing the connection to behave as if it were pinned or hinged. Granted, this procedure will
not yield a true pinned connection, but the results will be sufficient for this tutorial.
Step 1: Creating the split line
o With the first colored box highlighted, expand the model tree and select one of the
two planes created in the previous study
o With the second colored box highlighted, select the bottom face of the column
o Click
Now that the split line has been created, it is possible to apply the fixed boundary condition.
This fixed geometry will fix the line but allow displacement of the rest of the face. As a result,
the connection will behave as if it were pinned. In the previous study, the bottom face was
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completely fixed. One way to change the fixture is to delete the previous fixture and create a
new one. However, a quicker procedure is to simply modify the existing fixture.
Step 3: Applying the pinned end condition to the bottom face
o Right-click on the existing fixed fixture and select Edit Definition
o With the colored box highlighted, select the split line on the bottom face as shown in
Figure 15
o Click
to create the fixed geometry
Figure 15: Modifying a fixed geometry

the member as required by the problem statement. However, the external pressure load was
already modified in the previous study. This means that this step can be skipped as it has already
been completed. Therefore, the next logical step in the process is mesh generation.
1.4 Mesh Generation
Any time that changes are made to a study, the model must be re-meshed before the simulation
can be run. If needed, refer back to step 6 in the fixed-free study for a description on how to
create the mesh.
2. Solution
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3. Post-Processing
Just as in the previous three studies, use SolidWorks to display the BLF of the column under
pinned-pinned end conditions. Now that the buckling load factor has been determined, it can be
used to calculate the critical pressure load of the column.
4. Validation
results. Eulers formula will once again be used for these calculations.
previous study, the values of E, I and A will remain the same. The given length of the column
will also remain at 3.5 m. However, due to the different end conditions, the value of the end
condition constant C will change. This new value can be determined from the table below.
Column End
Conditions
Fixed - Free
Fixed - Fixed
Fixed - Pinned
Pinned - Pinned
Theoretical
Value
4
2
1
Conservative
Value
1
1
1
Recommended
Value
1.2
1.2
1
From this table, it can be determined that the end condition constant C has a theoretical value of
1 for the fixed-pinned boundary conditions. Therefore, the critical pressure load can be
calculated as:
Pcr
SolidWorks
127.23
Hand Calculations
129.58
Percent Difference
-1.81%
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Results Summary Critical Pressure Loads
Fixed-Free
Fixed-Fixed
Fixed-Pinned
Pinned-Pinned
SolidWorks
31.93
498.92
259.96
127.23
Hand Calculations
32.40
533.47
259.17
129.58
Percent Difference
-1.45%
-6.48%
0.30%
-1.81%
It can be seen from the table above that the SolidWorks results and hand calculated solutions are
very close. With the exception of the fixed-fixed condition, all results and solutions are within
2% of one another. This ensures that the SolidWorks simulation results are accurate. The
greater error in the fixed-fixed condition can be attributed the method of fixing a portion of the
columns side faces. This may be the cause of some hand calculation inefficiencies. But, overall
the results look relatively dependable.
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Tutorial Problem 2. A pressure loaded, L-shaped column is subjected to two different

environments with different end conditions
This tutorial problem requests two different column buckling studies; fixed-free and fixed-fixed.
It is possible to create two separate studies within one part file. However, this greatly reduces
the performance of the simulation software and leads to a significant increase in the time
required to complete this LM. Thus, only one study will be created. This study will be modified
throughout the module to simulate each individual setup and end conditions. The first setup to
be evaluated is the fixed-free condition.
Fixed-Free End Conditions
1. Pre-Processing
Geometry creation
Mesh generation.
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o Option1: Double click the following icon to open the embedded part file, LShaped_Column.SLDPRT, in SolidWorks.
L-Shaped_Column.SL
DPRT
o Option 2: Download the part file L-Shaped_Column.SLDPRT from the web site
downloaded part.
o Under the
o In the box under Name type in L-Shaped Column Buckling Study
o Click
to create the study
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given in the problem as AISI 304 and the SolidWorks libraries can be used to apply the material
properties.
o
o
o
o
Select
Expand the Steel section and choose AISI 304
and units are in SI

Since this is a buckling study, the boundary conditions can consist of fixed and/or pinned
connections of the column known as fixtures. The following steps will apply the different end
conditions to the column using fixtures.
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The first step will be to apply the boundary conditions for the column with fixed-free end
conditions. Because the top end of the column is free, only one fixture will be applied to the
bottom face of the column for this study.
o Click on the
Figure 3
o Click
o Click on the
o Select Pressure
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Figure 4
o Ensure that units of N/mm^2 (MPa) are selected and enter 6 for the magnitude
o Click
1.4 Mesh Generation

example, large element sizes will be used to decrease the required solver running time.
o Drag the mesh density bar to the Coarse setting as shown in Figure 5
o Click
to create the mesh
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2. Solution
3. Post-Processing
pressure load of the column. This BLF value can also help describe the presence of buckling in
the column. The following table is SolidWorks interpretation of possible BLF values.
BLF Value
Buckling Status
1 < BLF
0 < BLF < 1
Buckling predicted
BLF = 1
Buckling predicted
BLF = -1
-1 < BLF < 0

BLF < -1

Notes
never buckle.
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pressure load of the column. In order to do this, simply multiply the BLF by the applied load.
This will give the critical pressure load of the column. Therefore:
Pcr = Critical Pressure Load = BLF x Applied Load = 2.3245(6 MPa) = 13.95 MPa
4. Validation
determine the theoretical critical/buckling pressure load of the column. Eulers formula will be
used to carry out these calculations. This formula is as follows:
Where C is the end condition constant, E is the materials modulus of elasticity, I is the second
moment of inertia (or area moment of inertia), l is the column length, and A is the cross-sectional
area. The end condition constant C can be determined from the table below.
Column End
Conditions
Fixed - Free
Fixed - Fixed
Fixed - Pinned
Pinned - Pinned
Theoretical
Value
4
2
1
Conservative
Value
1
1
1
Recommended
Value
1.2
1.2
1
From this table, it can be determined that the end condition constant C has a value of for the
fixed-free boundary conditions. The modulus of elasticity (E) value for AISI 304 steel is also
defined as 193 GPa while the length of the column is given in the problem statement as 3.6 m.
Therefore, the only remaining value needed is that of the columns area moment of inertia. It is
possible to calculate this value using the Parallel Axis Theorem, but these calculations are
beyond the scope of this module. SolidWorks makes it very easy to obtain these types of values
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using the Section Properties tool. Since the columns cross-section is not symmetrical, the
column will bend about a principal axis as opposed to the x or y-axis. Because of this, the
principal moments of inertia values are desired from the section properties. Due to the nature of
the columns shape, there will be two different principal moments of inertia at the centroid. It is
desirable to select the smaller value of the two as the column will bend about the axis with least
resistance.
Step 1: Displaying the section properties
o Highlight the bottom face of the column
o On the main menu, go to Tools -> Section Properties to open the section
properties window as in Figure 6
o The lowest principal moment of inertia value can be observed as 1092220.93mm4
o Record this number and close the properties window
Figure 6: Displaying the section properties
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Now that the value of I is known, the critical pressure load can be calculated as:
However, this critical pressure load value does not take into consideration the holes in the
column. To calculate the actual critical pressure load, the above value must be multiplied by a
modification factor that accounts for the reduction in load carrying capacity due to holes. This
modification factor is defined as:
There are two different ways that this factor can be calculated. One way is to calculate the
volume of the column with and without holes and plug into the equation above. Another way is
to simply used SolidWorks to determine these values and eliminate any calculation or rounding
errors. The steps required to determine these values are described below.
Step 2: Displaying the columns volume with holes
o Ensure that no pieces of the column are selected/highlighted
o On the main menu, go to Tools -> Mass Properties
o With the mass properties window open, locate and record the volume value of
6602854.13mm3
o Close the window
Step 3: Displaying the columns volume without holes
o In the feature design tree, click and drag the feature design line until it is positioned
directly below the Boss-Extrude1 feature as shown in Figure 7
o This will suppress the hole features and display the column without holes
8280000.00mm3
o Close the window
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Figure 7: Suppressing the hole features

Now that the values of the columns volume with and without holes are known, the modification
factor can be determined.
Finally, the critical pressure load can be calculated by multiplying the modification factor by the
critical pressure load calculated above.
Pcr
SolidWorks
13.95
Hand Calculations
13.91
Percent Difference
0.29%
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Fixed-Fixed End Conditions
1. Pre-Processing
Because many of the steps necessary for this study have already been covered in the fixed-free
study, these steps will be described in less detail or skipped altogether.
The material properties were already assigned in the previous study. Because the same material
is being used in each study, this step can be skipped.
The previous study was composed of fixed-free boundary conditions on the column. In this
study, fixed-fixed end conditions are required. Since a fixed boundary condition was applied to
the bottom face in the previous study, this end condition has been satisfied and can be skipped.
Next, it is time to apply the fixed end condition to the top face of the column. The top fixture
must be modified in order to allow vertical displacement. To allow only vertical displacement, a
boundary condition must be applied to each side face to prevent horizontal displacement.
However, applying a fixed geometry to each side would completely restrain the column and
result in no buckling behavior. Therefore, the approach is to apply a reference geometry to a
small portion of each side face near the top of the column. The length of each face to be fixed
must be small enough that it doesnt interfere with the buckling shape of the column. Fixing
15mm of the sides near the top face should be sufficient for this study. In order to to this, a new
plane will be used to create a split line. This split line will form 15mm sections at the top of the
side faces. These sections can then be restrained to resemble a fixed-fixed column condition.
Step 1: Creating a new plane for the split line
o With the First Reference box highlighted, expand the model tree and select the Top
Plane as shown in Figure 8
o Check the Flip box if plane was created above the Top Plane
o Click
to create the plane
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Step 2: Creating a split line
created in the previous step
o With the second colored box highlighted, select each side face of the column as
shown in Figure 9
o Click
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Now that a split line has been created, it is possible to apply a reference geometry to each side
face section created by the split line. This reference geometry will allow vertical displacement
but not horizontal displacement. It will take two steps to accomplish this task. One step will
restrict translation in the z-direction and one will restrict translation in the x-direction
Step 3: Applying the fixed end condition to the top face (z-direction)
o Click on the
fixture menu
o With the first colored box highlighted, select all of the upper side sections created by
the split line on the sides of the column
o With the second colored box highlighted, select the a top edge running in the zdirection as shown in pink in Figure 10
o Under Translations, enter 0 for the distance
o Click
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Step 4: Applying the fixed end condition to the top face (x-direction)
o Click on the
fixture menu
o With the first colored box highlighted, select all of the upper side sections created by
the split line on the sides of the column
o With the second colored box highlighted, select the a top edge running in the xdirection as shown in pink in Figure 11
o Under Translations, enter 0 for the distance
o Click
the member as required by the problem statement. However, the external load for this study is
exactly the same as the previous study. This means that this step can be skipped as it has already
been completed. Therefore, the next step in the process is mesh generation.
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1.4 Mesh Generation
simulation can be run. This is done in the same way as described in the previous study. If
needed, refer back to step 6 in the fixed-free study for a description on how to create the mesh.
2. Solution
3. Post-Processing
Just as in the previous study, use SolidWorks to display the BLF of the fixed-fixed column.
pressure load of the column.
4. Validation
determine the theoretical critical/buckling pressure load of the column. Eulers formula will be
used to carry out these calculations. This formula is as follows:
previous study, the values of E, I and A will remain the same. However, due to the different end
conditions, the value of the end condition constant C will change. This new value can be
determined from the table on the following page.
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Column End
Conditions
Fixed - Free
Fixed - Fixed
Fixed - Pinned
Pinned - Pinned
Theoretical
Value
4
2
1
Conservative
Value
1
1
1
Recommended
Value
1.2
1.2
1
When designing a column, a recommended value of 1.2 should be used for C as it instills
somewhat of a safety factor against failure. However, the theoretical value will be used in these
calculations as it will yield results much closer to the actual critical pressure load. The
theoretical C value from the table can be observed as 4. Also, because 15 mm of the columns
length was used as a fixture, the columns length is no longer considered to be 3.6 m. The new
length of the column is 3.5 m minus 15 mm, or 3.585 m. Therefore, the critical pressure load can
be calculated as:
Once again, this value for the critical pressure load is that of the column without holes. The
critical pressure of the column with holes can be found by multiplying by the modification
factor.
Pcr
SolidWorks
168.89
Hand Calculations
224.38
Percent Difference
-24.73%
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Results Summary Critical Pressure Loads
Fixed-Free
Fixed-Fixed
SolidWorks
13.95
168.89
Hand Calculations
13.91
224.38
Percent Difference
0.29%
-24.73%
It can be seen from the table above that the SolidWorks results and hand calculated solutions for
the fixed-free study are very close. An error of less than half a percent ensures that the
SolidWorks simulation results are accurate. The greater error in the fixed-fixed condition can be
attributed to the broader range of end constant values. The value for C can range anywhere from
1 to 4, leading to the possibility of inconsistencies. But because the calculated value falls within
the allowable range of C values, it can be assumed that the solutions are relatively accurate.
Modifying the end constant value for this particular problem would yield much more desirable
results.
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Tutorial Problem 3. A titanium honeycomb component is subjected to a pressure load and

compared to a solid column of identical dimensions.
This tutorial problem requests two different buckling studies; one on a honeycomb structure and
one on a similar solid block. Because this tutorial problem requires studies on two separate
parts, the simulation on each part will be performed individually. The results of the two studies
will then be compared at the end of the tutorial. The first setup to be evaluated is the titanium
honeycomb structure.
Honeycomb Column
1. Pre-Processing
Geometry creation
Mesh generation.
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Honeycomb_Column.SLDPRT, in SolidWorks.
Honeycomb_Column.
SLDPRT
o Option 2: Download the part file Honeycomb_Column.SLDPRT from the web site
downloaded part.
o Under the
o In the box under Name type in Honeycomb Buckling Study
o Click
to create the study
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given in the problem as a Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V titanium alloy and the SolidWorks libraries can be
used to apply the material properties.
o
o
o
o
Select
Expand the Titanium Alloys section and choose Titanium Te-8Al-1Mo-1V
and units are in SI
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Due to the nature and applications of honeycomb structures, this study will be treated as a
column buckling study with fixed-free end conditions. Because the top end of the column is
free, only one fixture will be applied to the bottom face of the column for this study.
o Click on the
Figure 3
o Click
o Click on the
o Select Pressure
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Figure 4
o Ensure that units of N/mm^2 (MPa) are selected and enter 200,000 for the magnitude
o Click
1.4 Mesh Generation

example, the default element sizes will be used to decrease the required solver running time.
o Use the default mesh setting as seen in Figure 5
o Click
to create the mesh
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2. Solution
3. Post-Processing
pressure load of the column and observe the nominal stress and stress/weight ratio. This BLF
value can also help describe the presence of buckling in the column. The following table is
SolidWorks interpretation of possible BLF values.
BLF Value
Buckling Status
1 < BLF
0 < BLF < 1
Buckling predicted
BLF = 1
Buckling predicted
BLF = -1
-1 < BLF < 0

BLF < -1

Notes
never buckle.
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Pcr = Critical Pressure Load = BLF x Applied Load = 677.1(200 GPa) = 135.42 TPa
4. Validation
solutions, or known published results, to validate the correctness of the FEM model. However,
due to the complex nature of honeycomb buckling calculations, the results will only be compared
to those of the solid column. This section will simply address the nominal stress and
stress/weight ratio of the honeycomb structure.
The nominal stress of a column is defined as the critical pressure load multiplied by the ratio of
the net cross-sectional area to the total cross-sectional area. Thus, the nominal stress is
calculated as follows:
The next goal of the problem is to determine the columns stress/weight ratio. However, because
this structure is so small in size, SolidWorks will display a reading of 0 for the mass. Therefore,
it is acceptable to use the structures volume in the calculations as the volume of a structure is
directly proportional to its weight. It is very easy to acquire these values from SolidWorks using
the following method.
Step 1: Displaying the parts mass properties
o With the mass properties window open, locate and record the volume value of 4 mm3
o Close the window
Now that structures volume is known, it is possible to calculate the stress/volume ratio. This is
done as follows:
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The next step is to determine the critical pressure load and calculate the nominal stress and
stress/volume ratio of a similar solid column and compare.
Solid Column
1. Pre-Processing
structure to be analyzed in FEM. In this tutorial, the necessary part has already been created in
SolidWorks. The following steps will open up the part for use in the FEM analysis.
Solid_Column.SLDPRT, in SolidWorks.
Solid_Column.SLDPR
T
o Option 2: Download the part file Solid_Column.SLDPRT from the web site
downloaded part.
o Under the
o In the box under Name type in Solid Column Buckling Study
o Select Buckling underneath Type
o Click
to create the study
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given in the problem as a Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V titanium alloy and the SolidWorks libraries can be
used to apply the material properties.
o
o
o
o
Select
Expand the Titanium Alloys section and choose Titanium Te-8Al-1Mo-1V
and units are in SI
o Click OK to apply the material

Due to the nature of column applications, this study will be treated as a column buckling study
with fixed-free end conditions. Because the top end of the column is free, only one fixture will
be applied to the bottom face of the column for this study.
o Click on the
Figure 1
o Click
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o Click on the
o Select Pressure
Figure 2
o Ensure that units of N/mm^2 (MPa) are selected and enter 200,000 for the magnitude
o Click
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1.4 Mesh Generation

example, the default element sizes will be used to decrease the required solver running time.
o Use the default mesh setting
o Click
to create the mesh
2. Solution
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3. Post-Processing
pressure load of the column and observe the nominal stress and stress/weight ratio. This BLF
value can also help describe the presence of buckling in the column. The following table is
SolidWorks interpretation of possible BLF values.
BLF Value
Buckling Status
1 < BLF
0 < BLF < 1
Buckling predicted
BLF = 1
Buckling predicted
BLF = -1
-1 < BLF < 0

BLF < -1

Notes
never buckle.
Pcr = Critical Pressure Load = BLF x Applied Load = 7428.4(200 GPa) = 1,485.68 TPa
4. Validation
solutions, or known published results, to validate the correctness of the FEM model. However,
due to the complex nature of honeycomb buckling calculations, the results will only be compared
to those of the solid column. This section will simply address the nominal stress and
stress/weight ratio of the honeycomb structure.
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Again, the nominal stress of a column is defined as the critical pressure load multiplied by the
ratio of the net cross-sectional area to the total cross-sectional area. However, for a solid block
the net area is equal to the total area. Thus, the nominal stress is equal to the value of the critical
pressure load.
The next goal of the problem is to determine the columns stress/weight ratio. However, because
this structure is so small in size, SolidWorks will display a reading of 0 for the mass. Therefore,
it is acceptable to use the structures volume in the calculations as the volume of a structure is
directly proportional to its weight. It is very easy to acquire these values from SolidWorks using
the following method.
Step 1: Displaying the parts mass properties
128.02mm3
o Close the window
Now that structures volume is known, it is possible to calculate the critical load/volume ratio.
Remember that the critical load is simply the critical pressure load multiplied by the area acted
upon by the pressure load.
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Results Summary
Honeycomb Column
Solid Column
Pcr
nom
135.42
1,485.68
4.23
1,485.68
1.06
11.61
As can be seen from the data, the solid column has a much higher critical pressure load.
However, this larger load results in a higher amount of stress in the column. This also leads to a
much higher stress to volume ratio for the solid column as opposed to the honeycomb column.
In other words, there is less stress per unit volume in the honeycomb column as opposed to the
solid column. This data helps explain why honeycomb structures are becoming more popular in
todays manufacturing world.
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Attachment D. CometSolution-Specific FEM Tutorials
Overview: In this section, the tutorial problem will be solved using commercial FEM
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Attachment E. Post-Test
1.
A column will remain stable as long as the applied load does not exceed the:
O
O
O
O
2.
The engineering principle commonly used for column analysis is:

O
O
O
O
3.
Width divided by the length

Length divided by the radius of gyration
Area divided by the volume
Weight divided by the volume
The constant C used in column buckling calculations is known as the:

O
O
O
O
5.
Bernoullis Equation
Fouriers Law
Newtons Law
Eulers Formula
The slenderness ratio of a column is defined as the columns:

O
O
O
O
4.
Maximum load
Critical load
Weight of the column
Minimum load
Load constant
Stress constant
End condition constant
Material constant
The buckling of a column will only occur under compression loads.

O True
O False
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6.
The critical buckling load of a column depends on the:

O
O
O
O
7.
O
O
O
O
8.
Long columns
Short columns
None of the above
What is a restraint?
O
O
O
O
9.
Elastic modulus of the material

Slimness of the column
End restraint conditions
All of the above
Restriction for motion

Force acting on the body
Stress in the body
A type of mesh
O
O
O
O
Long columns
Short columns
None of the above
10. The modification factor used when a column contains holes is defined as the columns:
O
O
O
O
Volume with holes

Volume with holes divided by the volume without holes
Volume without holes
Volume without holes divided by the volume with holes
11. The BLF of a column is defined as its:

O
O
O
O
Buckling load factor

Basic load factor
Big load factor
Buckling length factor
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12. The critical load of a column can be calculated by multiplying the BLF by the:
O
O
O
O
Anticipated load
Applied load
Theoretical load
Desired load
13. What is a method for simulating a pinned connection on the bottom face of a column?
O
O
O
O
Apply a fixed geometry to the face

Apply a fixed geometry to a point on the face
Apply a fixed geometry to a split line on the face
None of the above
14. What is the best method for simulating a fixed connection on the top face of a column?
O
O
O
O
Apply a fixed geometry to the face

Apply a reference geometry to the face
Apply a reference geometry to a portion of the side faces
Apply a fixed geometry to the side faces
15. What is a mesh?

O
O
O
O
A type of restraint
A type of material
A material property
A grid of finite elements
16. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a fine mesh as opposed to a coarse
mesh?
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Attachment F. Practice Problems
1. A 3.5m long column made of AISI 304 steel has a circular cross-section with a diameter of
100mm. This column is used to support a 10 MPa pressure load and is exposed to pinnedpinned end conditions. Use FEM analysis to find the buckling load factor (BLF) and critical
pressure load (Pc) of the column and compare these results to those of the square cross-section
in Tutorial #1.
Problem #1.SLDPRT
Solution to Problem 1
2. A 3.5m long column made of AISI 304 steel has a circular cross-section with a diameter of
100mm. This column is used to support a 10 MPa pressure load and is exposed to fixed-fixed
end conditions. Use FEM analysis to find the buckling load factor (BLF) and critical pressure
load (Pc) of the column and compare these results to those of the square cross-section in
Tutorial #1. Also calculate the columns critical load to weight ratio for comparison with
Problem 3.
Problem #2.SLDPRT
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3. The column from Problem 2 is now hollowed out and exhibits new cross-sectional dimensions
as shown below. This column is again used to support a 10 MPa pressure load and is exposed
to fixed-fixed end conditions. Use FEM analysis to find the buckling load factor (BLF), the
critical pressure load (Pc) and the columns critical load to weight ratio for comparison with
Problem 2.
Problem #3.SLDPRT
4. A 4.0m long column made of AISI 1020 steel has cross-sectional dimensions as shown
below. This column is used to support a 10 MPa pressure load and is exposed to fixed-free
end conditions. Use FEM analysis to find the buckling load factor (BLF) and critical
pressure load (Pc) of the column.
Problem #4.SLDPRT
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5. A 2.2m long column made of 1060 aluminum alloy has cross-sectional dimensions as shown
below. This column is used to support a 1 MPa pressure load and is exposed to fixed-free
end conditions. Use FEM analysis to find the buckling load factor (BLF) and critical
pressure load (Pc) of the column.
Problem #5.SLDPRT
6. A 3.72m long column made of AISI 304 steel has a square cross-section with dimensions of
100mm x 100mm. The column contains fifteen 60mm diameter holes as seen in the figure
below. This column is used to support a 10 MPa pressure load and is exposed to pinnedpinned end conditions. Use FEM analysis to find the buckling load factor (BLF) and critical
pressure load (Pc) of the column and compare the results to that of the pinned-pinned column
in Tutorial #1.
Problem #6.SLDPRT
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Attachment G. Solutions to Practice Problems
Column End
Conditions
Fixed - Free
Fixed - Fixed
Fixed - Pinned
Pinned - Pinned
Theoretical
Value
4
2
1
Conservative
Value
1
1
1
Recommended
Value
1.2
1.2
1
Problem 1:
Pcr = BLF x Applied Load = 9.5891(10MPa) = 95.89 MPa
Pcr
SolidWorks
95.89
Hand Calculations
97.19
Percent Difference
-1.34%
Problem 2:
Pcr
SolidWorks
379.18
Hand Calculations
400.09
Percent Difference
-5.23%
Fcr = Pcr x Ac = 379.18MPa(0.0079m2) = 2.99 MN

Load/Weight = 2.99 MN/27,488.94 g = 108.77 N/g
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Problem 3:
Pcr
SolidWorks
640.12
Hand Calculations
656.15
Percent Difference
-2.44%
Fcr = Pcr x Ac = 640.12MPa(0.0028m2) = 1.80 MN

Load/Weight = 1.80 MN/9,896.02 g = 181.89 N/g
Problem 4:
Pcr
SolidWorks
18.17
Hand Calculations
18.15
Percent Difference
0.11%
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Problem 5:
Pcr
SolidWorks
1.231
Hand Calculations
1.228
Percent Difference
0.24%
Problem 6:
Pcr
Pcr
cr
SolidWorks
106.02
= 0.908(112.88MPa) = 102.49 MPa
Hand Calculations
102.49
Percent Difference
3.44%
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Attachment H. Assessment
1.
Do you feel it was bad to not have a teacher there to answer any questions you might
have?
O It didnt matter
O It would have been nice
O I really wanted to ask a question
2.
How did the interactivity of the program affect your learning?

O
O
O
O
O
Improved it a lot
Improved it some
No difference
Hurt it some
Hurt it a lot
The six levels of Blooms Taxonomy are listed below. Rank how well this learning
module covers each level. 5 meaning exceptionally well and 1 meaning very poor.
3.
i.
Knowledge (remembering previously learned material)

O 5
O 4
O 3
O 2
O 1
ii.
Comprehension (the ability to grasp the meaning of the material and give examples)
O 5
O 4
O 3
O 2
O 1
iii.
Application (the ability to use the material in new situations)

O 5
O 4
O 3
O 2
O 1
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4.
iv.
Analysis (the ability to break down material into its component parts so that its
organizational structure may be understood)
O 5
O 4
O 3
O 2
O 1
v.
Synthesis (the ability to put parts together to form a new whole)

O 5
O 4
O 3
O 2
O 1
vi.
Evaluation (the ability to judge the value of the material for a given purpose)
O 5
O 4
O 3
O 2
O 1
Do you think the mixed text and video format works well?
O Yes
O Indifferent
O No
5.
Do you think the module presents an effective method of learning FEA?

O Yes
O Indifferent
O No
6.
Did you prefer this module over the traditional classroom learning experience? Why or
why not.
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7.
How accurate would it be to call this module self-contained and stand-alone?

O
O
O
O
O
Very accurate
Accurate
Indifferent
Inaccurate
Very inaccurate
8.
What specifically did you like and/or dislike about the module.
9.
How useful were the practice problems?

O
O
O
O
O
Very helpful
Helpful
Indifferent
Unhelpful
Very unhelpful
10.
Was there any part of the module that you felt was unnecessary of redundant? Was there
a need for any additional parts?
11.
Please list any suggestions for improving this module.
12.
Overall, how would you rate your experience taking this module?
O
O
O
O
O
Excellent
Fair
Average
Poor
Awful
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Creating the solid geometry

One fixed end and one free end (fixed-free)

Link to Abstract Modeling

Link to Practice Problems

The slenderness ratio of a column is defined as the columns:

The engineering principle commonly used for column analysis is:

Width divided by the length

The constant C used in column buckling calculations is known as the:

The buckling of a column will only occur under compression loads.

The critical buckling load of a column depends on the:

Elastic modulus of the material

Conceptual Analysis of Buckling Simulation

Tutorial Problem 1. A pressure loaded column is subjected to four different environments

Frequently used command icons

Figure 1: General user interface of SolidWorks.

Step 1: Enabling SolidWorks Simulation

Fixed-Free End Conditions

1.1 Geometry Creation

Click SolidWorks part file icon to open it ==>

to create the study

Figure 3: Creating a buckling study

1.2 Material Property Assignment

Figure 4: Material property manager in SolidWorks

to create the fixed boundary condition

Figure 5: Applying a fixed boundary condition

Step 5: Applying the pressure load

to create the pressure load

Figure 6: Applying the pressure load

to create the mesh

Figure 7: Meshing the model

icon will appear on the model tree

Buckling not predicted

0 < BLF < 1

Buckling not predicted

-1 < BLF < 0

Buckling not predicted

Therefore, the critical pressure load can be calculated as:

Fixed-Fixed End Conditions

to create the plane

Figure 8: Creating a new plane

Step 2: Creating a split line

to create the split line

Figure 9: Creating a split line

Figure 10: Creating reference geometry

icon will appear on the model tree

Fixed-Pinned End Conditions

to create the plane

Figure 11: Creating a new plane

to create the plane

to create the split line

Figure 12: Creating a split line

to create the split line

Figure 13: Creating reference geometry

Step 6: Modifying the pressure load

to create the pressure load

Figure 14: Modifying the pressure load

icon will appear on the model tree

Pinned-Pinned End Conditions

to create the split line

to create the fixed geometry

Figure 15: Modifying a fixed geometry