The apparatus is designed to study the buckling on different structs. In engineering mechanics, loss of stability under compressive load is known as buckling. Under the effects of compressive forces, and under increasing load, the axis of the bar deflects laterally until it suddenly and violently fails (collapses), even before the fracture point is reached. The stresses in the bar often remain within the elastic range during this process. This apparatus demonstrates the buckling behavior of bars under various influences.

For the purpose, one end of a bar is fixed or pinned, depending on the buckling case. A height-adjustable load-carrying cross-arm and a hand-operated spindle are used to apply compressive force to the bar. A bourdon type gauge measures the applied force. The lateral deflection of the bar is indicated on a dial gauge. Experiments demonstrate various influences, such as bar lengths, materials and methods of support. A transverse load application device can be used to generate additional shear forces on the test bar.

A PC data acquisition (EDSM-104S) is also available (Optional).