Chapter 16, Problem 32P

In a similar fashion to the case study described in Sec. 16.4, develop the potential energy function for the system depictedin Fig.P16.32. Develop cont our and surface plotsin MATLAB. Minimize the potential energy function in order to determine the equilibrium displacements $x_1$ and $x_2$ given the forcing function $F=100$ N, and the parameter $k_a=20\text{ and }{k}_b=15\text{ N/m}$.

FIGURE P16.32

Two frictionless masses connected to a wall by a pair of linear elastic springs.