A cylindrical Steel compression specimen of 150 mm long, 75.60 mm outside diameter and 69.60 mm inside diameter is used to determine the stress distribution in a compression member. An axial force P = 100 kN is applied at different locations (A, B, or C) through two stiff plates at both the top and bottom ends as shown. Points B and C are located at 20 mm and 30 mm respectively from point A. Three axial strain gauges were installed on the outer surface at mid-height at points 1, 2 and 3. Determine:
a) The readings of strain gauges 1, 2 and 3 when the load P is applied at point A,
b) The readings of strain gauge 1 when the load P is applied at point B,
c) The readings of strain gauges 2 and 3 when the load P is applied at point C.