Problem 5.35 - Statically Indeterminate Problems

Problem Statement

Two blocks with square cross-sections are stacked as shown, with the top block inserted into the bottom block and subjected to load F = 3.4 kips. The top block is aluminum (E = 10,000 ksi) with side length w1 = 2 in. and the bottom block is steel (E = 29,000 ksi) with side length w2 = 3 in. If length L = 5 in., what is the total deflection of the top surface? Ignore the weight of the blocks.

Picture with two blocks stacked on top of each other. The bottom block is steel and has a width w[2] and a length L. The top block is aluminum and has a width w[1] and length L. The load is applied to the top of the aluminum block.

Figure 1: Two blocks with square cross sections are stacked and loaded at the top.

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