Unit 02 Stability of equilibrium

The behavior of slender elastic rods subjected to axial force depends on the sign of N (tension or compression) Tension: the rod remains straight up to rupture; compression: beyond a certain value of N, it is possible to reach deflected configurations in equilibrium. A configuration in equilibrium (C) is moved slightly away (C 0 ): • if the system returns to its original equilibrium position, it is said to be stable • if the system moves further away from that position, it is said to be unstable