Formulation of an optimal dynamic structural system design problem requires identification of design variables that describe the structural system, a cost function that needs to be minimized, and performance and safety constraints for the system. The formulation of the problem depends upon the type of application and objectives to be achieved, i.e., the shape, the sizing, or topology design problem. Specific design variable definition, cost of function and constraints are dictated by the application. This volume is a comprehensive treatment of the general methods involved in this broadly fundamental problem and provides essential techniques in specific but pervasive structural dynamic systems elements and their optimization.

For most cases of interest, exact solutions to nonlinear equations describing stochastic dynamical systems are not available. This book details the relatively simple and popular linearization techniques available, covering theory as well as application. It examines models with continuous external and parametric excitations, those that cover the majority of known approaches.