Buckling analysis of non-prismatic columns: A rigid multibody approach

A new approach to the buckling analysis of non-prismatic columns is proposed. The method of rigid elements is used for this purpose. The general form of the characteristic equation is given by which it is possible to perform buckling analysis of columns with continuously varying cross-section and multiple-stepped columns under different boundary conditions. It is assumed that the column cross-section is doubly symmetric. The proposed method is verified through numerical examples. The influence of different geometric parameters, self-weight of the column, and stiffness of the introduced springs on the critical buckling load is analysed.