Mechanics of Materials - is this correct?

[niece of md.]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I was attempting to solve this exercise, but since I have no answers, I have no way of knowing if it's correct.

Any help Is more than appreciated

 

[PhanthomJay]

You did a superior job with this and your work is well presented.. the lowest value of P is the answer. Excellent work!

 

[SolidElast]

All the best! There is my verification
http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/8128/tophysicsforum02.png

 

[SolidElast]

By the way Elongations (z - from left to right within each segment)
w_{{1}}=4\,{\frac {Pz}{E\pi \,{{\it Diam}}^{2}}}

w_{{2}}=4\,{\frac {P \left( z{{\it Diam}}^{2}+a{{\it diam}}^{2}<br /> \right) }{{{\it Diam}}^{2}E\pi \,{{\it diam}}^{2}}}