An Algorithm for Computing Critical Buckling Loads of Elastic Structures

The algorithm presented enables one to calculate the number of critical buckling loads of an elastic structure which lie below any specified total load, and hence to converge on all required buckling loads with ease and certainly. The algorithm is always valid when the total load is applied proportionally, it is also valid for nonproportional loading, subject to a single restriction. The algorithm applies to continuous structures, as well as to structures with a finite number of degrees of freedom. It is based on a stiffness matrix analysis and substructures can be used.