(Solved): A rigid beam is pinned at \( A \) to the wall and supported by two cables \( B C \) and \( D E . \ ...

A rigid beam is pinned at \( A \) to the wall and supported by two cables \( B C \) and \( D E . \) The load \( P \) causes point \( D \) to drop \( 0.18 \) in. From the information provided by the manufacturer, it is known that the steel cables have an equivalent modulus of elasticity \( E \) of \( 11,700 \mathrm{ksi} \). The leads have a nominal 1/4-in. diameter and the effective area is \( 0.03736 \) in2. You are asked to determine: a. the unit strains in the two cables. b. the stresses in the two cables. C. the axial forces in the cables. d. The value of the external load \( P \) that causes these deformations.