Structural dynamics / Martin Williams, University of Oxford, UK.

Martin Williams is a professor in the engineering department at the University of Oxford. His research interests cover a wide range of structural dynamics problems, including earthquake engineering, hybrid test methods, dynamics of historic masonry structures and suspension bridge dynamics.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 255-257) and index.

Introduction to Dynamic SystemsWhat Is Dynamics and Why Is It Important?Basic DefinitionsDescribing Oscillatory MotionDynamic Properties of Physical SystemsDynamic LoadsKey PointsTutorial ProblemsSingle-Degree-Of-Freedom SystemsIntroductionEquation of MotionFree VibrationResponse to Dynamic LoadsTransfer Functions and Block DiagramsKey PointsTutorial ProblemsMulti-Degree-Of-Freedom SystemsIntroductionEquations of MotionFree Vibration of MDOF SystemsVibration Analysis of DOF SystemsResponse of MDOF Systems to Dynamic LoadsKey PointsTutorial ProblemsContinuous SystemsIntroductionVibrations of BeamsEquivalent Single-Degree-Of-Freedom SystemsKey PointsTutorial ProblemsNon-Linear DynamicsIntroductionNon-Linearity in Structural PropertiesTime-Stepping AlgorithmsApproximate Treatment of Non-LinearityKey PointsTutorial ProblemsFourier Analysis and Random VibrationsIntroductionProperties of Random Variables and ProcessesAutocorrelationFourier AnalysisPower Spectral DensityImpulse Response and Transfer FunctionKey PointsTutorial ProblemsAppendicesBackground MathematicsFurther Reading

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.