A rod consisting of n elements, each of which is

Chapter 2, Problem 2.C1

(choose chapter or problem)

A rod consisting of n elements, each of which is homogeneous and of uniform cross section, is subjected to the loading shown. The length of element i is denoted by \(L_{i}\), its cross-sectional area by \(A_{i}\), modulus of elasticity by \(E_{i}\), and the load applied to its right end by \(P_{i}\), the magnitude \(P_{i}\) of this load being assumed to be positive if \(P_{i}\) is directed to the right and negative otherwise. (a) Write a computer program that can be used to determine the average normal stress in each element, the deformation of each element, and the total deformation of the rod. (b) Use this program to solve Probs. 2.20 and 2.126.