Use the principle of minimum potential energy developed in Section 3.10 to solve the bar problems shown in Figure P3-52. That is, plot the total potential energy for variations in the displacement of the free end of the bar to determine the minimum potential energy. Observe that the displacement that yields the minimum potential energy also yields the stable equilibrium position. Use displacement increments of 0.002 in., beginning with x -0.004. Let E = 30 x 10° psi and A = 2 in2 for the bars.

Use the principle of minimum potential energy developed in Section 3.10 to solve the bar problems shown in Figure P3-52. That is, plot the total potential energy for variations in the displacement of the free end of the bar to determine the minimum potential energy. Observe that the displacement that yields the minimum potential energy also yields the stable equilibrium position. Use displacement increments of 0.002 in., beginning with x -0.004. Let E = 30 x 10° psi and A = 2 in2 for the bars.