Steel bar AB has a rectangular cross section as shown in Figure Q2 with both its ends being pin connected. Suppose that the modulus of elasticity of the steel is 200 GPa and the yield strength is 360 MPa.

a. Evaluate the maximum allowable intensity w of the distributed load that can be applied to member BC without causing bar AB to buckle and

factor of safety of 1.5 against buckling.

b. Predict the impact of replacing steel bar AB with a solid circular bar with diameter of 20 mm, in terms of failure due to buckling.