What factors affect Buckling Strength of a Structure?
We want to be aware that any structure is most efficient when subjected to evenly distributed tensile or compressive stress, such as occurring in cables, strings etc. Evidently, such modes of loading makes the best use of the material, and its strength. On the other hand bending or flexing, is the least efficient mode of loading a structure. In the figure (a) below, the internal force in the material exactly opposes the applied load, and therefore is the best mode. In the figure (b), the flexural stress is oriented perpendicular to the applied load, and equilibrium equations demand very high flexural stresses in order to support a small load.
