Divergence-type stability of a non-uniform column

A simple and efficient method is presented to calculate the buckling loads of a divergence-type nonconservative system, that of the breadth taper column under distributed follower forces. The characteristic equation of the system is derived and concisely expressed in terms of the four normalized fundamental solutions of the governing differential equation. These four fundamental solutions can be obtained approximately through a newly developed algorithm which has been demonstrated to be efficient, convenient and accurate. The influences of the boundary conditions, distributed follower forces and breadth taper ratio on critical buckling load are investigated.