The Hope problem
Readers have clearly found Mr Hope's problem, Verulam, Vol. 73 N0.22, 21 November 1995, interesting and we have had two different types of solution - one assuming lateral forces and the other not. As the methods adopted to find a solution have varied, Verulam has given fuller details of each. Geoffrey Pinfold from London, has sent the following:
The problem reminded me to try the influence coefficient taught at university in 1960 and not seen in many textbooks. The ‘grey matter’ still worked after 35 years and my solution enclosed. I hope it is correct!
Verulam