On a centripetally loaded model simulating Beck's column

In this study it is shown that the non-conservative stability problem of an end loaded follower force. Beck's column, shares one frequency and an associated mode with a particular conservative centripetally loaded column. This equivalence enables one to carry out a series of experiments on the centripetally loaded columns and then infer related results for Beck's column. In this way the difficult task of experimentally producing a follower end force is avoided and the experimental verification of Beck's column is accomplished indirectly.