Discrete Model Analysis of Optimal Columns Available to Purchase

Keller has determined in [2] the shape of the strongest hinged-hinged column. This was the stepping stone in the solution of the long standing Lagrange problem of finding the shape of the strongest column in the clamped-free configuration. We consider here the discrete link-spring model of column which is hinged on one side and spring supported on the other side that maximizes the buckling load. It is shown that for certain rigidity of the supporting spring the solution is not unique. For the other range of rigidity the shape of the strongest column is invariant of the spring constant.