Problem 5.11 - Axial Deformation

Problem Statement

A series of solid, steel, circular bars are loaded with forces as shown, where F1 = 3 kN, F2 = 2 kN, F3 = 3 kN, and F4 = 4 kN. What is the total change in length of the system? Assume E = 210 GPa for steel.

Picture with a series of solid steel circular bars loaded with forces. The first force is applied to the far left ba trhat has a length 3 cm and diameter 1 cm. The second force is applied to the next bar that has a length 3 cm and diameter 2 cm. The third force is applied to the next bar that has a length 4 cm and diameter 0.5 cm. The fourth and final force is applied to the last bar that is attached to the wall at the other end. The fourth bar has a length 2 cm and diameter 1 cm.

Figure 1: A series of solid, steel, circular bars are loaded with forces.

[Problem adapted from © Kurt Gramoll CC BY NC-SA 4.0]