Figure 5.

Equilibrium path of the structure sketched in the inset subjected to a concentrated transverse load F and deformed symmetrically. The dimensionless length measuring the amount of elastic rod slipping into the sliding sleeve, Δl/L, (a) and the dimensionless midspan deflection w/l (b) are reported versus the dimensionless applied load FL²/B. The characteristic points of maximum load, load reversal and self-encapsulation are marked on the curves with the letters A, B and C, respectively. Deformed shapes of the elastica are reported in the insets.