Calculate the load, PP, that would cause AA to be displaced 0.01 inches to the right. The wires ABAB and ACAC are A36 steel and ½" in diameter. The wires are 12 inches long before PP is applied and both are oriented at 30 degrees from horizontal (i. e., total angle at A is 60 degrees).

P = 4.745 kips

Explanation:

Given

ΔL = 0.01 in

E = 29000 KSI

D = 1/2 in  

LAB = LAC = L = 12 in

We get the area as follows

A = π*D²/4 = π*(1/2 in)²/4 = (π/16) in²

Then we use the formula

ΔL = P*L/(A*E)

For AB:

ΔL(AB) = PAB*L/(A*E) = PAB*12 in/((π/16) in²*29*10⁶ PSI)

⇒  ΔL(AB) = (2.107*10⁻⁶ in/lbf)*PAB

For AC:

ΔL(AC) = PAC*L/(A*E) = PAC*12 in/((π/16) in²*29*10⁶ PSI)

⇒  ΔL(AC) = (2.107*10⁻⁶ in/lbf)*PAC

Now, we use the condition

ΔL = ΔL(AB)ₓ + ΔL(AC)ₓ = ΔL(AB)*Cos 30° + ΔL(AC)*Cos 30° = 0.01 in

⇒  ΔL = (2.107*10⁻⁶ in/lbf)*PAB*Cos 30°+(2.107*10⁻⁶ in/lbf)*PAC*Cos 30°= 0.01 in

Knowing that   PAB*Cos 30°+PAC*Cos 30° = P

we have

(2.107*10⁻⁶ in/lbf)*P = 0.01 in

⇒  P = 4745.11 lb = 4.745 kips

The pic shown can help to understand the question.