Axial Force Calculator

Understanding axial force is essential in fields like physics, mechanical engineering, and structural design. Whether you're working with bolts, pipes, or beams, the axial force determines how much load a component can carry along its longitudinal axis.

To make this easier for students, engineers, and DIY builders, we have developed a free online Axial Force Calculator. This calculator simplifies the process and helps you find accurate results instantly using your input values.

What is Axial Force?

Axial force is the internal force parallel to the longitudinal axis of a structural member. It's either compressive (pushing inward) or tensile (pulling outward), depending on the direction of the load.

In mechanical terms, axial force helps evaluate how strong or weak a component is when subjected to stretching or compressive loads. The correct calculation ensures structural stability, especially in beams, bolts, and cylindrical pipes.

How to Use the Axial Force Calculator

Using our axial force calculator is simple. Just input the required values based on your selected calculation type:

1. For concrete columns: Enter fck (concrete strength), ac (area of concrete), fy (steel strength), and asc (area of steel).
2. For cylindrical pressure: Enter pressure and diameter of the cylinder.
3. For axial deformation: Enter deformation, area, modulus of elasticity, and length of the member.

Our tool handles the rest. It automatically converts units into SI format (Pa, mm, m², etc.), performs calculations, and shows results in Newtons (N), kilonewtons (kN), or other appropriate units.

Axial Force Formulas

1. Concrete Column Axial Load Formula

Pu = 0.4 × fck × Ac + 0.67 × fy × Asc

• Pu = Ultimate axial load
• fck = Characteristic compressive strength of concrete
• Ac = Area of concrete
• fy = Yield strength of steel
• Asc = Area of steel

2. Axial Force from Cylindrical Pressure

A = (π/4) × d²  

F = P × A

• A = Cross-sectional area
• d = Diameter of cylinder
• P = Pressure
• F = Axial force

3. Axial Deformation Force Formula

F = (Δ × A × E) / L  

• σ = F / A  
• ε = Δ / L
• F = Axial force
• Δ = Deformation
• A = Cross-sectional area
• E = Modulus of Elasticity
• L = Length
• σ = Stress
• ε = Strain

Final Verdict

Axial force plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of any system. Whether you're dealing with bolts, pipes, or concrete beams, accurate axial force calculations prevent failure and enhance safety.

Our Axial Force Calculator helps you achieve this without complex math. You simply enter the values, and we do the calculations. It's ideal for students, civil engineers, and mechanical designers who want quick, accurate, and readable results.

The calculator supports metric and imperial units, multiple calculation types, and is mobile-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the axial force formula?

It depends on the context. For concrete, it's Pu = 0.4 × fck × Ac + 0.67 × fy × Asc. For pressure on a cylinder, it's F = P × A.

How do you calculate axial force in a beam?

Use static equilibrium equations or the axial load formula depending on loading and boundary conditions.

What is the difference between axial and shear force?

Axial force acts along the axis of a member, while shear force acts perpendicular to it.

Can I use this calculator for bolts?

Yes, the calculator works for axial bolt force using pressure and area values.

What units does the calculator support?

It supports SI (Pa, MPa, mm, m²) and imperial units (psi, ft, in).