Static stability analysis of axially functionally graded tapered micro columns with different boundary conditions

In the present study, microstructure-dependent static stability analysis of inhomogeneous tapered micro-columns is performed. It is considered that the micro column is made of functionally graded materials and has a variable cross-section. The material and geometrical properties of micro column vary continuously throughout the axial direction. Euler-Bernoulli beam and modified couple stress theories are used to model the nonhomogeneous micro column with variable cross section. Rayleigh-Ritz solution method is implemented to obtain the critical buckling loads for various parameters. A detailed parametric study is performed to examine the influences of taper ratio, material gradation, length scale parameter, and boundary conditions. The validity of the present results is demonstrated by comparing them with some related results available in the literature. It can be emphasized that the size-dependency on the critical buckling loads is more prominent for bigger length scale parameter-to-thickness ratio and changes in the material gradation and taper ratio affect significantly the values of critical buckling loads.