This project, led by Professors Ronald D. Ziemian and Constance W. Ziemian of Bucknell University in collaboration with Professor Siwei Liu of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, aims to give engineering educators and students of all ages access to models that visually demonstrate different buckling modes.
Buckling can be a complex strength limit state that can occur in various forms—local, flexural (bending), torsional (twisting), lateral‑torsional or flexural‑torsional—depending on factors such as member length, cross‑section, material properties, and loading and support conditions. To make this challenging topic more intuitive, opportunities for graphical and 3D‑printed visual aids are provided that bring structural behavior to life.
The models featured on this site capture a wide range of instability phenomena—from cross‑sectional to member‑ and system‑level buckling. The models were created using high-fidelity finite element analyses (Strand7). Each model is accompanied by a description of the failure mode and its behavioral nuances, an image of the 3D‑printed product, and downloadable .stl files that allow users to print their own models.
The interactive viewer illustrates deformation as buckling occurs, and the downloadable files can be inserted into presentations or used in classroom demonstrations and hands‑on investigations. Together, these resources create a freely accessible, growing library of educational tools that engage students, support educators and advance engineering education worldwide.
Contributors:
Haoyi Zhang, PhD Student, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Kakin Pui, Student, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Melisa Omerovic, Student, Bucknell University
Matthew Ryckman, Student, Bucknell University
Aaron Clark, College of Engineering Technician, Bucknell University
Financial Support::
American Institute of Steel Construction - University Programs