Stability analysis of a stochastic column subjected to stochastically distributed loadings using the finite element method

A column whose material property is varying along its length stochastically and subjected to stochastic loadings in space is considered. The FEM is formulated appropriately. The scale of fluctuation is used to capture the second-order properties of the stochastic processes. The buckling load statistics, such as mean value, variance and buckling mode statistics, are derived. Application of the FEM developed is illustrated with a numerical example