The static buckling of slanted columns

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to formulate and solve the statical equations governing the deformation of a slanted column subjected to axial thrust. A variety of end conditions are considered including simple supports, fixed end, and a combination of these. Solutions are formulated in terms of a variable angle of inclination of the column. Load-deflection curves are plotted to determine the largest value of load and its corresponding deflection at the point where the column becomes unstable. A comparison of these load-deflective curves is made for various combinations of boundary conditions. In general it is found that as the angle of inclination of the column increases the critical buckling load decreases. In addition, as the degree of fixity of the end constraints decreases, the critical buckling load decreases.