| This book deals primarily with fundamental aspects of engineering vibrations within the framework of the linear theory. Although it is true that in practical cases it is sometimes not easy to distinguish between linear and nonlinear phenomena, the basic assumption throughout this text is that the principle of superposition holds.
Without claim of completeness, the authors’ intention has been to discuss a number of important topics of the subject matter by bringing together, in book form, a central set of ideas, concepts and methods which form the common background of real-world applications in disciplines such as structural dynamics, mechanical, aerospace, automotive and civil engineering, to name a few.
In all, the authors claim no originality for the material presented. However, we feel that a book such as this one can be published at the end of the 1990s because, while it is true that the general theory of linear vibrations is well established (Lord Rayleigh’s book Theory of Sound is about a century old), this by no means implies that the subject is ‘closed’ and outside the mainstream of ongoing research. In fact, on the one hand, the general approach to the subject has significantly changed in the last 30 years or so. On the other hand, the increasing complexity of practical problems puts ever higher demands on the professional vibration engineer who, in turn, should acquire a good knowledge in a number of disciplines which are often perceived as distinct and separate fields. |