DISCUSSION THREAD
Hints:
For Part A – Use the four-step plan:
1. Equilibrium – FBDs of the connectors and writing down the equilibrium equation for each.
2. Load/deflection – Write down the load/deflection equation for each element: e = FL/EA.
3. Compatibility – Starting from the left end, add up the elongations for the three elements. This sum equals the displacement of end H, uH. What is uH in this case?
4. Solve – Count the number of equations and the number of unknowns. If you have sufficient equations, solve. If not, go back to Steps 1-3 to see what you are missing.
For Part B – Use geometry to relate the elongations of the two elastic members. Be careful with the signs in relating elongations to displacements.
Any questions? Ask (and answer) questions here.