2023-06-21
From the previous post we know that we can assume that \(K = 1\) so Euler’s critical load formula simplifies to $$ P_{cr} = \frac{\pi^2EI}{L^2} $$ The modulus of elasticity for our material is 30,000ksi which is a fancy schmancy way of saying 30,000,000 psi. So \(E = 30,000,000\) and the formula gets even simpler. The magic is slowly melting away. $$ P_{cr} = \frac{\pi^230,000,000I}{L^2} $$ \(pi\) is \(pi\). We know it’s delicious and every Read more…
2023-06-11
What is the point of these series of posts? Like everything else on there internet, there is no point. All of this stuff is covered in engineering courses and the web is full of much more rigorous treatments. My goal is to explain it to myself. To paraphrase Michael Scott, you can’t claim to understand something if you can’t explain it. This is my attempt at just that. According to Wikipedia, Euler’s basic formula for Read more…
2023-06-10
The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of all natural systems always increases. This is one of those good laws in a sense that you cannot do anything to fight it. And if you’re a hapless participant in something, well, might as well learn to enjoy it. In a more grounded sense my house’s entropy is increasing. My house rotting. I’m witnessing it progress from orderly arranged wood grain to … dust. Dust Read more…