An Eigen analysis by it's very nature only gives you a mode shape (the Eigen vector) and the

Eigen value.
In a buckling problem multiply the Eigen value by the load you applied to get the critical buckling load.
The mode shape is dimensionless and probably normalised to give a maximum of one unit, it doesn't
give you actual displacements!

The particular question I have at the moment is about a static buckling analysis. I found in Section 6.2 a
good introduction to linear eigenvalue buckling predcition (6.2.3) and nonlinear post-buckling analysis
(6.2.4).

The first step in buckling analysis is to find the critical load, which should be related to the lowest
eigenvalue. However, to relate the output eigenvalues to the critical load, one must clarify the following:

Eigenvalue analysis

Please note that Buckling is the load case used for Eigenvalue analysis.

Eigenvalue analysis predicts the theoretical buckling strength of a structure which is idealized as elastic.
For a basic structural configuration, structural eigenvalues are computed from constraints and loading
conditions. Buckling loads are then derived, each associated with a buckled mode shape which
represents the shape a structure assumes under buckling. In a real structure, imperfections and
nonlinear behavior keep the system from achieving this theoretical buckling strength, leading Eigenvalue
analysis to over-predict buckling load. Therefore, we recommend Nonlinear buckling analysis.
Nonlinear buckling analysis

Please note that Static, Nonlinear with P-Delta and Large Displacements is the load case for Nonlinear
buckling analysis.

Nonlinear buckling analysis provides greater accuracy than elastic formulation. Applied loading
incrementally increases until a small change in load level causes a large change in displacement. This
condition indicates that a structure has become unstable. Nonlinear buckling analysis is a static method
which accounts for material and geometric nonlinearities (P- and P-), load perturbations, geometric

imperfections, and gaps. Either a small destabilizing load or an initial imperfection is necessary to initiate
the solution of a desired buckling mode.
Important considerations

The primary output of linear buckling analysis is a set of buckling factors. The applied loading
condition is multiplied by these factors such that loading is scaled to a point which induces buckling.
Please refer to the CSI Analysis Reference Manual (Linear Buckling Analysis, page 315) for additional
information.

Since the deflections, forces, and reactions of linear buckling analysis correspond to the normalized
buckled shape of a structure, users must run Nonlinear buckling analysis to obtain the actual
displacements, forces, and reactions. Figure 1 illustrates the Nonlinear-buckling-analysis output of a
column subjected to an initial imperfection where lateral load induces displacement equal to 0.6% of
column height. Softening behavior indicates the onset of buckling.

*ELASTIC
210.E09, 0.31

*PLASTIC
200.2E06, 0.0
246.0E06, 0.0235
294.0E06, 0.0474
374.0E06, 0.0935
437.0E06, 0.1377
480.0E06, 0.18
pascal