Optimal shape of a twisted and compressed rod

We formulate and solve the problem of determining the shape of an elastic rod stable against buckling and having minimal volume. The rod is loaded by a concentrated force and a couple at its ends. The equilibrium equations are reduced to a single nonlinear second-order equation. The eigenvalues of the linearized version of this equation determine the stability boundary. By using Pontryaginʹs maximum principle we determine the optimal shape of the rod.