Analysis of buckling phenomena (SOLIDWORKS)
ANALYSIS OF BUCKLING PHENOMENA (SOLIDWORKS)
1. OBJECTIVES
Perform a buckling analysis on a cyclonic separator stand. Create a metallic stiffener on the legs of the stand and run the analysis to find out the change in buckling factor of safety. The next step is to run a design study and find the optimum position for the stiffener. Compare the results for all the cases using tables and highlight the best one. Make a report about the findings.
2. THEORY
Column
A column or pillar in architecture and structural engineering is a structural element that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below. In other words, a column is a compression member. The term column applies especially to a large round support (the shaft of the column) with a capital and a base or pedestal, which is made of stone, or appearing to be so. A small wooden or metal support is typically called a post, and supports with a rectangular or other non-round section are usually called piers.
For the purpose of wind or earthquake engineering, columns may be designed to resist lateral forces. Other compression members are often termed "columns" because of the similar stress conditions. Columns are frequently used to support beams or arches on which the upper parts of walls or ceilings rest. In architecture, "column" refers to such a structural element that also has certain proportional and decorative features. A column might also be a decorative element not needed for structural purposes; many columns are engaged, that is to say form part of a wall. A long sequence of columns joined by an entablature is known as a colonnade.
where
- Euler's critical load (longitudinal compression load on column),
- Modulus of elasticity of column material,
- Minimum area moment of inertia of the cross section of the column, 
- Unsupported length of column,
- Column effective length factor
3. SIMULATION
1) Without stiffener
Procedure
1. Create/Import the cyclonic separator in SolidWorks.Then suppress the parts other than Coulmn part.
2. Create a new simulation and choose the buckling study.
3. Choose Alloy steel as material.
4. Add the fixtures to the four bottom faces of the legs of cyclone separator.
5. Add external load of 150KN on the top face of the cyclone separator.
6. Create mesh of element size 25mm and tolerance 1.25mm.
7. Run the simulation.
Results
Buckling factor of safety = 9.368
Deformation scale = 62.82
2) With stiffener at 900 mm from Top plane
Procedure
1. Create/Import the cyclonic separator in SolidWorks.Then suppress the parts other than Coulmn part.
Use the face of the stand and sketch a square stiffener. Then extrude part of thickness 80mm with offset of 900mm.
2. Create a new simulation and choose the buckling study.
3. Choose Alloy steel as material.
4. Add the fixtures to the four bottom faces of the legs of cyclone separator.
5. Add external load of 150KN on the top face of the cyclone separator.
6. Create mesh of element size 25mm and tolerance 1.25mm.
7. Run the simulation.
Results
Buckling factor of safety = 26.334
Deformation scale = 66.3382
3) Design study for stiffener offset distance
For finding the optimal value of buckling factor for stiffener offset distance we perform a design study.
Procedure
1. Open the Column file with stiffener (Where we have done the simulation for 900 mm stiffener offset distance).
2. Create new study in simulation and select design study.
3. Define the design variable, constraints and goals.
4. Run the simulation
Results
4. CONCLUSION
| Case no | Name | Buckling factor of safety |
| 1 | Without stiffener | 9.368 |
| 2 | With stiffener at 900 mm from top plane | 26.334 |
| 3 | With stiffener at 1000 mm from top plane (Obtain from design study as an optimal value) | 28.749403 |
1. When the stiffener is added the buckling factor of safety increases.
2. Optimal distance of stiffener offset is 1000 mm where the buckling factor of safety is 28.749403 (which is 3 times compare to no stiffener buckling factor, i.e. we can apply 3 times more force in 1000mm stiffener offset distance).
Google Drive Link - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TOPWWf8QnFk9O8cbFTzFqf4v3V9hItfy?usp=sharing