The assumptions made in the analysis of columns and struts by Euler’s theory are:

• The column that is being analyzed has a uniform cross section throughout its length.

• The column is initially perfectly straight and the load load is axially applied at the ends of the column.

• The material of the column is homogeneous and isotropic.

• The only reason of failure in the column is buckling.

• The lateral deflection is very small as compared to the length of the column.

• The direct stress produced in the column is less as compared to the flexural stress and is neglected.

• The weight of the column is neglected.

However, Euler’s theory also has its limitations. They are:

• The different assumptions made in Euler’s theory are not always actually possible. For example, it is considered that the material is homogeneous and isotropic, which is never the case. Also, the column is considered to be initially straight, which is not possible due to fabrication defects, etc. The loading too, can sometimes be eccentric.

• The theory given by Euler is based on the assumption that the column fails due to the buckling load only. However, this is not the case. There is crushing load acting on the column too. The failure could be due to crushing load or a combination of the crushing load and the buckling load. Thus, Euler’s theory is usually applied to columns that are long, since in this case, the ration of the crushing load to the buckling load is lower.