Compression (Topic: 12019)

A pressure force (P) working on a member gives compressive stress in the member.

The compressive stress is defined as:

Where: A is the effective area of the cross section of the member.

When a member is pressed we get a compression:

Where: L is the length of the member

E is Young's modulus of elasticity

A structural member subjected to a compressive stress may buckle. The risk of buckling is dependent on:

I) Mechanical properties of the material

II) Type of load

III) The shape of the member

IV) The length of the member

V) The condition of the supports

References: [18]