Experimental data from: On Simultaneous Buckling, Contact and Load Carrying Capacity

This paper considers the case of a relatively large number of parallel columns that buckle simultaneously. The close proximity between columns results in the possibility of contact between adjacent columns as buckling proceeds, and this brings with it some interesting observations on load carrying capacity. Some experimental results verify the theoretical development based on the versatility of high-fidelity 3D-printing. The sensitive nature of initial geometric imperfections (slight lack of straightness) and load eccentricity strongly influence post-buckled contact, load-carrying capacity, and, as the number of columns is increased, a statistically-based evaluation of anticipated behavior becomes appropriate.

Methods
Figures 7, 9, 12: The experimental data was collected using a digital load cells (Omega 50N with 0.05N precision, and Omega 500N load with 0.1 N precision), and two proximity lasers (OPTO NCDT 1302, with a precision of 0.025~mm). The data was then placed in the Kaleidograph (Mac) and plotted.

Figure 3: This is numerical data, generated and plotted using Matlab.

Also included is a typical multi-column design used by the 3D-printer. This was produced using the software package Solidworks.

This data relates to the paper entitled "On Simultaneous Buckling, Contact and Load Carrying Capacity"