Buckling load for nonuniform columns

Abstract A method to determine an approximate lower bound buckling load for a nonuniform column is presented. The method is applicable to both hinged-hinged and cantilever columns. A finite difference scheme is used to represent the equilibrium equation for the column. Recursion relations are developed for the coefficient of the characteristic equation from which an approximate lower bound buckling load may be calculated. One advantage of the present method is that it can be programmed on a programmable calculator with as few as 15 data storage locations and 200 program steps.