Computational techniques for the analysis and design of structural dynamic systems using numerical methods have been the focus of an enormous amount of research for several decades. In general, the numerical methods utilized to solve these problems include two phases: (a) spatial discretization by either the finite element method (FEM) or the finite difference method (FDM), and (b) solution of systems of time dependent second-order ordinary differential equations. In addition, the significantly powerful advances in computer systems capabilities have put on the desks of structural systems designers enormous computing power either by means of increasingly effective computer workstations or else through PCs (personal computers), whose increasing power has succeeded in marginalizing the computational power differences between PCs and workstations in many cases. This volume is a comprehensive treatment of the issues involved in computational techniques in structural dynamic systems.

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 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.

Among the principal causes of failure in structural dynamic systems are exceedance of maximum structural systems design limit and structural fatigue failure. These processes are analyzed in this volume, and require sophisticated methods such as stochastic processes and their interactions with a structure as applied forces with stochastic description, finite element techniques, and other processes. Once these aspects are understood and applied, approaches to enhancing the reliability and damage tolerance of structural systems can be examined and applied to specific structural dynamic systems. This volume offers a comprehensive treatment of the issues and the sophisticated techniques involved and includes numerous illustrative examples.

The increasing necessity to solve complex problems in Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering requires the development of new ideas, innovative methods and numerical tools for providing accurate numerical solutions in affordable computing times. This book presents the latest scientific developments in Computational Dynamics, Stochastic Dynam

Conventional seismic design has been based on structural strength in the initial design of structures, resulting in lateral force resisting systems with sufficient strength to be able to absorb and dissipate the seismic. For important structures such as urban high speed road systems, high rise buildings, hospitals, airports and other essential structures which must be quite functional after an earthquake, modern seismic structural design techniques have been developed with a view toward eliminating or significantly reducing seismic damage to such structures. This volume is a comprehensive treatment of the issues involved in modern seismic design techniques for structure with a view to significantly enhancing their capability of surviving earthquakes to an adequate degree, i.e., enhancing the ability of structural systems to withstand high level earthquakes.

Many high-rise buildings have been constructed in recent decades, particularly in Western Pacific Rim countries. Some to be completed soon and in future include: (1) Grand Gateway at XI Hul, Shanghai; (2) Tomorrow Square, Shanghai; (3) Xiamen Post and Telecommunications Buildings, Xiamen, China; (4) Petronas Twin Towers, Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia; and (5) Shanghai World Financial Center, Petronas Twin Towers and the Shanghai World Financial Center are 1,483 ft. and 1,509 ft. in height, respectively. While these represent the ultimate challenges in structural aspects of buildings, there are challenges for structural aspects of buildings of various heights. This book is a comprehensive treatment of the issues and advanced techniques involved in building and bridge structures. Numerous illustrative examples are included.

Introduction to Optimum Design is the most widely used textbook in engineering optimization and optimum design courses. It is intended for use in a first course on engineering design and optimization at the undergraduate or graduate level within engineering departments of all disciplines, but primarily within mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering. The basic approach of the text is to describe an organized approach to engineering design optimization in a rigorous yet simplified manner, illustrate various concepts and procedures with simple examples, and demonstrate their applicability to engineering design problems. Formulation of a design problem as an optimization problem is emphasized and illustrated throughout the text. Excel and MATLAB are featured throughout as learning and teaching aids. The 3rd edition has been reorganized and enhanced with new material, making the book even more appealing to instructors regardless of the level they teach the course. Examples include moving the introductory chapter on Excel and MATLAB closer to the front of the book and adding an early chapter on practical design examples for the more introductory course, and including a final chapter on advanced topics for the purely graduate level course. Basic concepts of optimality conditions and numerical methods are described with simple and practical examples, making the material highly teachable and learnable. Applications of the methods for structural, mechanical, aerospace and industrial engineering problems. Introduction to MATLAB Optimization Toolbox. Optimum design with Excel Solver has been expanded into a full chapter. Practical design examples introduce students to usage of optimization methods early in the book. New material on several advanced optimum design topics serves the needs of instructors teaching more advanced courses.

Introduction to Optimum Design, Fifth Edition is the most widely used textbook in engineering optimization and optimum design courses. It is intended for use in a first course on engineering design and optimization at the undergraduate or graduate level within engineering departments of all disciplines, but primarily within mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering. The basic approach of the text presents an organized approach to engineering design optimization in a rigorous yet simplified manner, illustrating various concepts and procedures with simple examples and demonstrating their applicability to engineering design problems. Formulation of a design problem as an optimization problem is emphasized and illustrated throughout the text. Excel and MATLAB are featured as learning and teaching aids. This new edition has been enhanced with new or expanded content in such areas as reliability-based optimization, metamodeling, design of experiments, robust design, nature-inspired metaheuristic search methods, and combinatorial optimizaton. - Describes basic concepts of optimality conditions and numerical methods with simple and practical examples, making the material highly teachable and learnable - Includes applications of optimization methods for structural, mechanical, aerospace, and industrial engineering problems - Covers practical design examples and introduces students to the use of optimization methods - Serves the needs of instructors who teach more advanced courses - Features new or expanded contents in such areas as design under uncertainty - reliability-based design optimization, metamodeling - response surface method, design of experiments, nature-inspired metaheuristic search methods, and robust design

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.