Post-buckling analysis of non-prismatic columns under general behaviour of loading

The paper shows the effects of behaviour of loading during the buckling process on the value of critical force and initial stability of post-buckling path for elastic, non-prismatic columns. Perturbation method combined with Croll's manoeuvre makes it possible to derive general formulae for the first or the second correction of the force, and hence to analyze stability in the post-buckling range. The effects of behaviour of active and reactive forces may be essential: in numerous examples the boundary values of structural parameters separating stability and instability are evaluated. Pre-buckling geometry changes are analyzed as well.