A tool used for determining the critical load at which a structural element, such as a column or beam, becomes unstable and begins to buckle. This instability is a failure mode characterized by a sudden, large deformation, often lateral, under compressive stress. An example application involves determining the maximum load a steel column can support before it fails due to buckling.
Predicting this critical load is essential for structural integrity and safety in various engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. It allows engineers to design structures that can withstand expected loads without catastrophic failure. Historically, complex manual calculations were required, but modern computational tools offer faster and more accurate solutions, enabling the analysis of more complex geometries and material properties.