| Function | Beam or Column |
| Constraints | -Length L specified |
| -Strength: must not fail under design loads | |
| -Buckling: must not buckle under design loads | |
| -Must not fracture if accidently struck | |
| -Must support at least 10% of a person’s total weight | |
| Objectives | Minimize cost, C |
| Free Variables | -Diameter of column |
| -Choice of material | |
| Additional Requirements | -High fracture toughness |
| -Reasonable formability |