Rod AB consists of n elements, each of which is

Chapter 2, Problem 2.C3

(choose chapter or problem)

Rod AB consists of n elements, each of which is homogeneous and of uniform cross section. End A is fixed, while initially there is a gap \(\delta_{0}\) between end B and the fixed vertical surface on the right. 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 its coefficient of thermal expansion by \(\alpha_{i}\). After the temperature of the rod has been increased by \(\Delta T\), the gap at B is closed and the vertical surfaces exert equal and opposite forces on the rod. (a) Write a computer program that can be used to determine the magnitude of the reactions at A and B, the normal stress in each element, and the deformation of each element. (b) Use this program to solve Probs. 2.59 and 2.60.