Interactive Euler Buckling Demo

Choose the upper and lower boundary conditions, then drag the load handle downward or use the slider. When the compressive load reaches the critical load Pcr, the straight column buckles into its first mode shape.

Load level 0.16 × Pcr
You can use the slider or drag the load handle directly in the graphic.
Effective length factor
K = 0.5
Le = 0.500 L
State
Straight / stable
P = 0.00, Pcr = 0.00
Teaching note. This demo uses the Euler relation Pcr = π²EI / (KL)² and draws a first-mode buckled shape that is visually consistent with the chosen end conditions. It is designed for concept-building and classroom interaction rather than full nonlinear post-buckling analysis.
Tip: for a quick classroom contrast, compare fixed–fixed, fixed–pinned, and pinned–pinned.

Column response

Drag the load handle Downward motion increases axial compression P Initial axis P drag Euler relation Pcr = π²EI / (K L)² Current pair: fixed–fixed Interpretation P / Pcr = 0.00 Le / L = 0.500 Mode amplitude = 0.0 px