A rigid steel bar is supported by three rods, as shown in Figure P2.3. There is no strain in the rods before the load P is applied. After load P is applied,
the normal strain in rods (1) is 860 _m/m. Assume initial rod lengths of L1 = 2,400 mm and L2 = 1,800 mm. Determine
(a) the normal strain in rod (2).
(b) the normal strain in rod (2) if there is a 2-mm gap in the connections between the rigid bar and rods (1) at joints A and C before the load is applied.
(c) the normal strain in rod (2) if there is a 2-mm gap in the connection between the rigid bar and rod (2) at joint B before the load is applied.
FIGURE P2.3
