Development of configurational forces during the injection of an elastic rod

When an inextensible elastic rod is ‘injected’ through a sliding sleeve against a fixed constraint, configurational forces are developed, deeply influencing the mechanical response. This effect, which is a consequence of the change in length of the portion of the rod included between the sliding sleeve and the fixed constraint, is theoretically demonstrated (via integration of the elastica) and experimentally validated on a proof-of-concept structure (displaying an interesting force reversal in the load/deflection diagram), to provide conclusive evidence to mechanical phenomena relevant in several technologies, including guide wire for artery catheterization, or wellbore insertion of a steel pipe.