The availability of powerful computers along with highly effective computational techniques have allowed computer-aided design and engineering of structural dynamics systems to achieve a high level of capability and importance. This volume clearly reveals the great significance of these techniques and the essential role they will play in the future as further development occurs. This will be a significant and unique reference for students, research workers, practitioners, computer scientists and others for years to come.

The finite element, an approximation method for solving differential equations of mathematical physics, is a highly effective technique in the analysis and design, or synthesis, of structural dynamic systems. Starting from the system differential equations and its boundary conditions, what is referred to as a weak form of the problem (elaborated in the text) is developed in a variational sense. This variational statement is used to define elemental properties that may be written as matrices and vectors as well as to identify primary and secondary boundaries and all possible boundary conditions. Specific equilibrium problems are also solved. This book clearly reveals the effectiveness and great significance of the finite element method available and the essential role it will play in the future as further development occurs.

The proposed book will offer comprehensive and versatile methodologies and recommendations on how to determine dynamic characteristics of typical micro- and opto-electronic structural elements (printed circuit boards, solder joints, heavy devices, etc.) and how to design a viable and reliable structure that would be able to withstand high-level dynamic loading. Particular attention will be given to portable devices and systems designed for operation in harsh environments (such as automotive, aerospace, military, etc.) In-depth discussion from a mechanical engineer's viewpoint will be conducted to the key components’ level as well as the whole device level. Both theoretical (analytical and computer-aided) and experimental methods of analysis will be addressed. The authors will identify how the failure control parameters (e.g. displacement, strain and stress) of the vulnerable components may be affected by the external vibration or shock loading, as well as by the internal parameters of the infrastructure of the device. Guidelines for material selection, effective protection and test methods will be developed for engineering practice.

This first of three volumes from the inaugural NODYCON, held at the University of Rome, in February of 2019, presents papers devoted to Nonlinear Dynamics of Structures, Systems and Devices. The collection features both well-established streams of research as well as novel areas and emerging fields of investigation. Topics in Volume I include multi-scale dynamics: coexistence of multiple time/space scales, large system dynamics; dynamics of structures/industrial machines/equipment/facilities (e.g., cable transportation systems, suspension bridges, cranes, vehicles); nonlinear interactions: parametric vibrations with single/multi-frequency excitations, multiple external and autoparametric resonances in multi-dof systems; nonlinear system identification: parametric/nonparametric identification, data-driven identification; experimental dynamics: benchmark experiments, experimental methods, instrumentation techniques, measurements in harsh environments, experimental validation of nonlinear models; wave propagation, solitons, kinks, breathers; solution methods for pdes: Lie groups, Hirota’s method, perturbation methods, etc; nonlinear waves in media (granular materials, porous materials, materials with memory); composite structures: multi-layer, functionally graded, thermal loading; fluid/structure interaction; nonsmooth and retarded dynamics: systems with impacts, free play, stick-slip, friction hysteresis; nonlinear systems with time and/or space delays; stability of delay differential equations, differential-algebraic equations; space/time reduced-order modeling: enhanced discretization methods, center manifold reduction, nonlinear normal modes, normal forms; fractional-order systems; computational techniques: efficient algorithms, use of symbolic manipulators, integration of symbolic manipulation and numerical methods, use of parallel processors; and multibody dynamics: rigid and flexible multibody system dynamics, impact and contact mechanics, tire modeling, railroad vehicle dynamics, computational multibody dynamics.

Dynamics is increasingly being identified by consulting engineers as one of the key skills which needs to be taught in civil engineering degree programs. This is driven by the trend towards lighter, more vibration-prone structures, the growth of business in earthquake regions, the identification of new threats such as terrorist attack and the increased availability of sophisticated dynamic analysis tools. Martin Williams presents this short, accessible introduction to the area of structural dynamics. He begins by describing dynamic systems and their representation for analytical purposes. The two main chapters deal with linear analysis of single (SDOF) and multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems, under free vibration and in response to a variety of forcing functions. Hand analysis of continuous systems is covered briefly to illustrate the key principles. Methods of calculation of non-linear dynamic response is also discussed. Lastly, the key principles of random vibration analysis are presented – this approach is crucial for wind engineering and is increasingly important for other load cases. An appendix briefly summarizes relevant mathematical techniques. Extensive use is made of worked examples, mostly drawn from civil engineering (though not exclusively – there is considerable benefit to be gained from emphasizing the commonality with other branches of engineering). This introductory dynamics textbook is aimed at upper level civil engineering undergraduates and those starting an M.Sc. course in the area.

This book compiles recent research in the field of nonlinear dynamics, vibrations and damping applied to engineering structures. It addresses the modeling of nonlinear vibrations in beams, frames and complex mechanical systems, as well as the modeling of damping systems and viscoelastic materials applied to structural dynamics. The book includes several chapters related to solution techniques and signal analysis techniques. Last but not least, it deals with the identification of nonlinear responses applied to condition monitoring systems.

This book introduces to the theory of structural dynamics, with focus on civil engineering structures that may be described by line-like beam or beam-column type of systems, or by a system of rectangular plates. Throughout this book the mathematical presentation contains a classical analytical description as well as a description in a discrete finite element format, covering the mathematical development from basic assumptions to the final equations ready for practical dynamic response predictions. Solutions are presented in time domain as well as in frequency domain. Structural Dynamics starts off at a basic level and step by step brings the reader up to a level where the necessary safety considerations to wind or horizontal ground motion induced dynamic design problems can be performed. The special theory of the tuned mass damper has been given a comprehensive treatment, as this is a theory not fully covered elsewhere. For the same reason a chapter on the problem of moving loads on beams has been included.

Over the past 60 years, the U.S. aerospace community has developed, refined, and standardized an integrated approach to structural dynamic model verification and validation. One name for this overall approach is the Integrated Test Analysis Process (ITAP) for structural dynamic systems. ITAP consists of seven sequential tasks, namely: (1) definition of test article finite element models; (2) systematic modal test planning; (3) measured data acquisition; (4) measured data analysis; (5) experimental modal analysis; (6) systematic test-analysis correlation; and (7) reconciliation of finite element models and modal test data. Steps 1, 2, and 7 rely strictly on mathematical model disciplines, and steps 3 and 4 rely on laboratory disciplines and techniques. Current industry practice of steps 5 and 6 calls for interaction of mathematical model and laboratory disciplines, which compromises the objectivity of both modeling and laboratory disciplines. This book addresses technical content, strategies, and key relevant experiences related to all steps of ITAP, except for measured data acquisition which is the specialized domain of highly experienced laboratory professionals who contend with mechanical and electrical practicalities of instrumentation, excitation hardware, and data collection systems.

This book addresses problems in structural dynamics and control encountered in applications such as robotics, aerospace structures, earthquake-damage prevention, and active noise suppression. The rapid developments of new technologies and computational power have made it possible to formulate and solve engineering problems that seemed unapproachable only a few years ago. This presentation combines concepts from control engineering (such as system norms and controllability) and structural engineering (such as modal properties and models), thereby revealing new structural properties as well as giving new insight into well-known laws. This book will assist engineers in designing control systems and dealing with the complexities of structural dynamics.

The articles in this book describe new developments in the area of structural testing, particularly those based upon the principle of fusing numerical and experimental methods such as real-time dynamic substructuring and hardware-in-the loop testing. In addition to the hybrid methods, chapters on the latest develoments in more established techniques, such as shaking table testing, provide a completely up-to-date survey of structural testing methods. The book is characterized by a multidisciplinary nature of the work that integrates cutting-edge research from the fields of non-linear dynamics, automatic control, numerical analysis, system modelling and mechatronics.