Post-buckling of cantilever columns having variable cross-section under a combined load

Abstract

Post-buckling of a cantilever column is examined under a combined load consisting of a tip-concentrated load and a distributed axial load, through dynamic formulation. The formulation of the problem is based on the moment–curvature relationship. The two-point boundary value problem described by the governing equations is dependent on the frequency parameter and the two load parameters. The buckling loads are those loads at which the eigencurve, namely, the load versus frequency curve of the column meets the load axis. A simple and reliable iterative procedure to convert the two-point boundary value problem into an initial value problem is followed and solved the non-linear differential equations utilizing a fourth-order Runge–Kutta integration scheme. To demonstrate the potentiality of the adopted numerical scheme, linear vibration frequencies of truncated, tapered cantilever wedges and cones are determined and compared with the published analytical and test results. Buckling and post-buckling loads of a simply supported stepped column are obtained and compared with the published test results. The loads and deflections of non-uniform cantilever columns are obtained for various slopes at the tip. The interaction of load parameters for a free–free truncated conical column has also been examined. The numerical results indicate that the path represented by the two load parameters turns out to be nearly a straight line.