Buckling of Tapered Bars Under Stepped Axial Loads

Abstract

Tapered bars, axially compressed by concentrated loads applied at various locations along their axes, are discussed. The most common cases of support conditions are considered. The law of stiffness variation chosen covers mainly members of steel structures. Buckling equations of these bars are formulated and corresponding critical loads are evaluated. The results are also presented in graphic form, from which several interesting conclusions are obtained concerning the optimum design and the expediency of using tapered bars as compressive members in structures.