Buckling of Columns (continued)

The load for “buckling” is then P = n² π² EI / L² . The goal is to find the smallest
load, P, for buckling. In this case (n = 1) the “critical load” P_cr for buckling is:

P_cr = π² EI / L²

Suppose now that there was a support midway along the column. Then the deflection shape
would appear as shown below: In this case n would be 2 and P_cr = 4 π² EI / L²

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