Abstract: A generalized Hamilton's principle for analysis of Pfluger's rod and its relative plate is provided in engineering form by a quite simple approach,so that the problem of a aonconservative system is transformed into that of a generalized conservative system.According to this variational principle,an attempt to undertake the discrete tests of finite elements has been made and the features of the finite models are discussed in brief.A set of symmetric matrices for an element model are given in explicit form.After it is confirmed that unstability of pfluger's rod is caused by divergence,not by flutter.it is pointed out that the critical load can be determined by applying the conventional iterative technique for Rayleigh quotient.Some numerical examples have verified this model.At last,as an interesting extension,a finite stripe model for analysis of simply supported rectangular plate subjected to follower forces has been derived by using the matrices mentioned above and tested preliminarily.