Vibration Of Axially-Loaded Structures

This book concerns the vibration and the stability of slender structural components. The loss of stability of structures is an important aspect of structural mechanics and is presented here in terms of dynamic behavior. A variety of structural components are analyzed with a view to predict their response to various (primarily axial) loading conditions. A number of different techniques are presented, with experimental verification from the laboratory. Practical applications are widespread, ranging from cables to space structures. The book presents methods by which the combined effects of vibration and buckling on various structures can be assessed. Vibrations and buckling are usually treated separately, but in this book their influence on each other is examined together, with examples when a combined approach is necessary. The avoidance of instability is the primary goal of this material. Contents - 1. Context: the point of departure; 2. Elements of classical mechanics; 3. Dynamics in the vicinity of equilibrium; 4. Higher-order systems; 5. Discrete link models; 6. Strings, cables, and membranes; 7. Continuous struts; 8. Other column-type structures; 9. Frames; 10. Plates; 11. Nondestructive testing; 12. Highly deformed structures; 13. Suddenly applied loads; 14. Harmonic loading - parametric excitation; 15. Harmonic loading - transverse excitation; 16. Nonlinear vibration.