Buckling loads of columns with constant volume

This paper investigates buckling loads of columns with constant volume. The parabolic and sinusoidal tapers with solid regular polygon cross-sections are adopted as the column taper. The differential equation governing the buckled shape of such column is derived and solved for calculating the buckling loads. The clamped–clamped, clamped–hinged and hinged–hinged ends constraints are considered in numerical examples. The buckling loads are presented as functions of non-dimensional system parameters. The section ratios and buckling load parameters of the strongest columns are reported.