This brief investigates the asymptotic behavior of some PDEs on networks. The structures considered consist of finitely interconnected flexible elements such as strings and beams (or combinations thereof), distributed along a planar network. Such study is motivated by the need for engineers to eliminate vibrations in some dynamical structures consisting of elastic bodies, coupled in the form of chain or graph such as pipelines and bridges. There are other complicated examples in the automotive industry, aircraft and space vehicles, containing rather than strings and beams, plates and shells. These multi-body structures are often complicated, and the mathematical models describing their evolution are quite complex. For the sake of simplicity, this volume considers only 1-d networks.

The purpose of this monograph is threefold. First, mathematical models of the transient behavior of some or all of the state variables describing the motion of multiple-link flexible structures will be developed. The structures which we have in mind consist of finitely many interconnected flexible ele ments such as strings, beams, plates and shells or combinations thereof and are representative of trusses, frames, robot arms, solar panels, antennae, deformable mirrors, etc. , currently in use. For example, a typical subsys tem found in almost all aircraft and space vehicles consists of beam, plate and/or shell elements attached to each other in a rigid or flexible manner. Due to limitations on their weights, the elements themselves must be highly flexible, and due to limitations on their initial configuration (i. e. , before de ployment), those aggregates often have to contain several links so that the substructure may be unfolded or telescoped once it is deployed. The point of view we wish to adopt is that in order to understand completely the dynamic response of a complex elastic structure it is not sufficient to con to take into account the sider only its global motion but also necessary flexibility of individual elements and the interaction and transmission of elastic effects such as bending, torsion and axial deformations at junctions where members are connected to each other. The second object of this book is to provide rigorous mathematical analyses of the resulting models.

The purpose of this monograph is threefold. First, mathematical models of the transient behavior of some or all of the state variables describing the motion of multiple-link flexible structures will be developed. The structures which we have in mind consist of finitely many interconnected flexible ele ments such as strings, beams, plates and shells or combinations thereof and are representative of trusses, frames, robot arms, solar panels, antennae, deformable mirrors, etc. , currently in use. For example, a typical subsys tem found in almost all aircraft and space vehicles consists of beam, plate and/or shell elements attached to each other in a rigid or flexible manner. Due to limitations on their weights, the elements themselves must be highly flexible, and due to limitations on their initial configuration (i. e. , before de ployment), those aggregates often have to contain several links so that the substructure may be unfolded or telescoped once it is deployed. The point of view we wish to adopt is that in order to understand completely the dynamic response of a complex elastic structure it is not sufficient to con to take into account the sider only its global motion but also necessary flexibility of individual elements and the interaction and transmission of elastic effects such as bending, torsion and axial deformations at junctions where members are connected to each other. The second object of this book is to provide rigorous mathematical analyses of the resulting models.

Dynamic instability or dynamic buckling as applied to structures is a term that has been used to describe many classes of problems and many physical phenomena. It is not surprising, then, that the term finds several uses and interpretations among structural mechanicians. Problems of parametric resonance, follower-force, whirling of rotating shafts, fluid-solid interaction, general response of structures to dynamic loads, and several others are all classified under dynamic instability. Many analytical and experimental studies of such problems can be found in several books as either specialized topics or the main theme. Two such classes, parametric resonance and stability of nonconservative systems under static loads (follower-force problems), form the main theme of two books by V. V. Bolotin, which have been translated from Russian. Moreover, treatment of aero elastic instabilities can be found in several textbooks. Finally, analytical and experimental studies of structural elements and systems subjected to intense loads (of very short duration) are the focus of the recent monograph by Lindberg and Florence. The first chapter attempts to classify the various "dynamic instability" phenomena by taking into consideration the nature of the cause, the character of the response, and the history of the problem. Moreover, the various concepts and methodologies as developed and used by the various investigators for estimating critical conditions for suddenly loaded elastic systems are fully described. Chapter 2 demonstrates the concepts and criteria for dynamic stability through simple mechanical models with one and two degrees of freedom.

The subject discussed in this book is the stability of thin-walled elastic systems under static loads. The presentation of these problems is based on modern approaches to elastic-stability theory. Special attention is paid to the formulation of elastic-stability criteria, to the statement of column, plate and shell stability problems, to the derivation of basic relationships, and to a discussion of the boundaries of the application of analytic relationships. The author has tried to avoid arcane, nonstandard problems and elaborate and unexpected solutions, which bring real pleasure to connoisseurs, but confuse students and cause bewilderment to some practical engineers. The author has an apprehension that problems which, though interesting, are limited in application can divert the reader's attention from the more prosaic but no less sophisticated general problems of stability theory.

The Stability of Elastic Systems presents some of the most important aspects of the stability and the non-linear behavior at finite deformations of several types of structural elastic systems, which are important for a more precise understanding of the static performance of such systems. This book is divided into eight chapters that aim to complete parts of classical, eigenvalue, theories of buckling and to demonstrate the important role played by finite deformations in the theoretical analyses of stability. Other chapters discuss the properties of prismatic members and the post-buckling behavior of plane frameworks. A chapter describes the elastic buckling and stability of statically determinate space frameworks. The remaining chapters cover the elastic buckling of statically indeterminate pin-jointed systems and space frameworks. These chapters also examine the non-conservative aspects of structural systems. This book will be of great value to practicing engineers and students.

Elastic Stability of Structural Elements is designed for a one-semester course for undergraduate/ graduate programmes in aerospace, civil, mechanical engineering and applied mechanics. This well organized text discusses applications of both classical and