Visualize Buckling: A 3D Exploration of Structural Instabilities

Buckling is an instability phenomenon in structural mechanics that occurs when a cross-section, member, or system deforms under a compressive (squishing) action. This failure mode is impacted by a variety of factors, including loading and support conditions, unbraced length, cross-sectional geometry, material properties, initial member out-of-straightness, and residual stresses. Metal structural elements can buckle in a variety of ways, including local, torsional (twisting), flexural (bending), lateral-torsional and flexural-torsional. These modes can be difficult to visualize, which is why we created a series of 3D models to illustrate how different conditions affect buckling behavior.

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. These models are easy to use in the classroom and offer students hands-on opportunities to observe and understand buckling phenomena. The overarching goal of the project is to build a freely accessible, growing library of educational tools that engage students, support educators, and advance engineering education worldwide.

This site provides a sophisticated interactive viewer and a collection of 3D-printable models designed to demonstrate the complexities of buckling behavior. The models 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 3D print their own models. The models can be explored via an interactive viewer that illustrates their deformation as buckling occurs. Additionally, the .stl files can be inserted directly into programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint (Insert > 3D Models > This Device) for use in presentations. These resources serve as powerful tools for exploring structural stability, enabling users to visualize, print, and apply them in classroom demonstrations, instructional exercises, and hands-on investigations—ultimately enriching the understanding of buckling behavior.

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::

This project is a collaborative effort that is intended to enhance structural engineering education. For questions, feedback, or to contribute to the project, please contact one of the developers: