The shape of the ideal column reconsidered (Q1317523)

First, the authors apply the multiple calculus of variations to finding the strongest fixed-fixed column of unit length and volume. They derive the general criterion for optimality using only the usual Rayleigh quotient, without a priori assumption of bimodality and without requirements for bounds on the cross-sectional area. Then an exact optimal solution is found for the fixed-pinned-linked column (the structure composed of the optimal cantilever fixed-pinned-linked column joined to the optimal pinned-pinned column). Using the results obtained, the authors revise some works on the subject published earlier and indicate in them misstatements and mistakes of various kind.