Fundamentals of Structural Dynamics

Rapid development of high-speed rail over two decades has focussed research on the safe, smooth running, and comfort of train journeys. Smooth, comfortable railways are closely related to vibration. For example, in train-track-bridge coupling systems where bridges span rivers, and sea-crossings that face extreme winds and currents, and for the seismic performance of bridges in earthquake zones. Vibration is critical to solving these and other challenges, and a foundational knowledge of structural dynamics is essential to understand structural vibration in railways. Dynamics of Structures explains foundational concepts and principles in the theory of vibrations, and gives equations of motion for complex systems. The title presents classical vibration theory in a clear and systematic way, and details original work on vehicle-bridge interactions and wind effects on bridges. Seven chapters give an overview of structural vibrations, including how to formulate equations of motion; vibration analysis of a single-degree-of-freedom system, a multi-degree-of-freedom system, and a continuous system; the approximate calculation of natural frequencies and modal shapes; and step-by-step integration methods. Each chapter includes extensive practical examples and problems. This volume presents the foundational knowledge engineers need to understand and work with structural vibrations, and includes the latest contributions of a globally leading research group on vehicle-bridge interactions and wind effects on bridges.