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.

A clear, straightforward presentation of the theory of structural dynamics, illustrated with rich examples! Drawn from the authors' work in extending the theory of structural dynamics to develop computer models to estimate building performance, this comprehensible book presents structural engineers with the key elements of structural dynamics.

This straightforward text, primer and reference introduces the theoretical, testing and control aspects of structural dynamics and vibration, as practised in industry today. Written by an expert engineer of over 40 years experience, the book comprehensively opens up the dynamic behavior of structures and provides engineers and students with a comprehensive practice based understanding of the key aspects of this key engineering topic. Written with the needs of engineers of a wide range of backgrounds in mind, this book will be a key resource for those studying structural dynamics and vibration at undergraduate level for the first time in aeronautical, mechanical, civil and automotive engineering. It will be ideal for laboratory classes and as a primer for readers returning to the subject, or coming to it fresh at graduate level. It is a guide for students to keep and for practicing engineers to refer to: its worked example approach ensures that engineers will turn to Thorby for advice in many engineering situations. - Presents students and practitioners in all branches of engineering with a unique structural dynamics resource and primer, covering practical approaches to vibration engineering while remaining grounded in the theory of the topic - Written by a leading industry expert, with a worked example lead approach for clarity and ease of understanding - Makes the topic as easy to read as possible, omitting no steps in the development of the subject; covers computer based techniques and finite elements

The purpose of this book is to show how basic structural theory and design methods in everyday use for static design can also be applied to dynamic load cases with little modification. It should help designers find the simplest way of either avoiding resonance entirely or reducing its effect.

Earthquake engineering is the ultimate challenge for structural engineers. Even if natural phenomena such as earthquakes involve great uncertainties, structural engineers need to design buildings, bridges, and dams capable of resisting the destructive forces produced by earthquakes. However, structural engineers must rely on the expertise of other specialists to realize these projects. Thus, this book not only focuses on structural analysis and design, but also discusses other disciplines, such as geology, seismology, and soil dynamics, providing basic knowledge in these areas so that structural engineers can better interact with different specialists when working on earthquake engineering projects."

Structural dynamics is a complex and increasingly important field of civil/structural engineering. The aim of this concise book is to demonstrate to practising engineers and advanced students that the dynamic response of structural systems can be understood without advanced techniques of analysis and impenetrable detail.

Appeals to the Student and the Seasoned Professional While the analysis of a civil-engineering structure typically seeks to quantify static effects (stresses and strains), there are some aspects that require considerations of vibration and dynamic behavior. Vibration Analysis and Structural Dynamics for Civil Engineers: Essentials and Group-Theoretic Formulations is relevant to instances that involve significant time-varying effects, including impact and sudden movement. It explains the basic theory to undergraduate and graduate students taking courses on vibration and dynamics, and also presents an original approach for the vibration analysis of symmetric systems, for both researchers and practicing engineers. Divided into two parts, it first covers the fundamentals of the vibration of engineering systems, and later addresses how symmetry affects vibration behavior. Part I treats the modeling of discrete single and multi-degree-of-freedom systems, as well as mathematical formulations for continuous systems, both analytical and numerical. It also features some worked examples and tutorial problems. Part II introduces the mathematical concepts of group theory and symmetry groups, and applies these to the vibration of a diverse range of problems in structural mechanics. It reveals the computational benefits of the group-theoretic approach, and sheds new insights on complex vibration phenomena. The book consists of 11 chapters with topics that include: The vibration of discrete systems or lumped parameter models The free and forced response of single degree-of-freedom systems The vibration of systems with multiple degrees of freedom The vibration of continuous systems (strings, rods and beams) The essentials of finite-element vibration modelling Symmetry considerations and an outline of group and representation theories Applications of group theory to the vibration of linear mechanical systems Applications of group theory to the vibration of structural grids and cable nets Group-theoretic finite-element and finite-difference formulations Vibration Analysis and Structural Dynamics for Civil Engineers: Essentials and Group-Theoretic Formulations acquaints students with the fundamentals of vibration theory, informs experienced structural practitioners on simple and effective techniques for vibration modelling, and provides researchers with new directions for the development of computational vibration procedures.