Rod AB is horizontal with both ends fixed; it consists of

Chapter 2, Problem 2.C2

(choose chapter or problem)

Rod AB is horizontal with both ends fixed; it consists of n elements, each of which is homogeneous and of uniform cross section, and is subjected to the loading shown. The length of element i is denoted by \(L_{i}\), its cross-sectional area by \(A_{i}\), its 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. (Note that \(P_{1}=0\).) (a) Write a computer program that can be used to determine the reactions at A and B, the average normal stress in each element, and the deformation of each element. (b) Use this program to solve Probs. 2.41 and 2.42.