Step 6: Plot

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σ_x vs.

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r_i , Take 4: Functions

Let's create a function to calculate the bending _ stress that outputs σ_x given (M, r_i, r_o ).

Before we start doing this bring up the help file for creating functions in MATLAB. You can find it in the directory specified below:

Bring up Help > Contents > MATLAB > Programming > M-File Programming > M-File Scripts and Functions > M-File Functions.

Look at Simple Function Example: The average function that calculates the average of the elements in a vector. As you can see MATLAB has a very good help support system that you can use as a reference whenever you run into problems.

As you can see the correct syntax for creating a funcion is:

function return_value = function_name(parameter_1, parameter_2,...)

%function description - MUST  be in a comment

code...

return_value = value

Start by creating the bending stress function that outputs σ_x given (M, r_i, r_o ). Create bending_stress function

 
Save this as bending_stress.mMake a copy of beam3.musing Save As ... call the new file beam5.m

Comment out

Call function bending_stress
Run and check output

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