The aim of this book is to impart a sound understanding, both physical and mathematical, of the fundamental theory of vibration and its applications. The book presents in a simple and systematic manner techniques that can easily be applied to the analysis of vibration of mechanical and structural systems. Unlike other texts on vibrations, the approach is general, based on the conservation of energy and Lagrangian dynamics, and develops specific techniques from these foundations in clearly understandable stages. Suitable for a one-semester course on vibrations, the book presents new concepts in simple terms and explains procedures for solving problems in considerable detail.

1 Introduction.- 1.1 Basic Definitions.- 1.2 Elements of the Vibration Models.- 1.3 Particle Dynamics.- 1.4 Systems of Particles.- 1.5 Dynamics of Rigid Bodies.- 1.6 Linearization of the Differential Equations.- 1.7 Idealization of Mechanical and Structural Systems.- Problems.- 2 Solution of the Vibration Equations.- 2.1 Homogeneous Differential Equations.- 2.2 Initial Conditions.- 2.3 Solution of Nonhomogeneous Equations with Constant Coefficients.- 2.4 Stability of Motion.- Problems.- 3 Free Vibration of Single Degree of Freedom Systems.- 3.1 Free Undamped Vibration.- 3.2 Analysis of the Oscillatory Motion.- 3.3 Stability of Undamped Linear Systems.- 3.4 Continuous Systems.- 3.5 Equivalent Systems.- 3.6 Free Damped Vibration.- 3.7 Logarithmic Decrement.- 3.8 Structural Damping.- 3.9 Coulomb Damping.- 3.10 Self-Excited Vibration.- 3.11 Motion Control.- 3.12 Impact Dynamics.- Problems.- 4 Forced Vibration.- 4.1 Differential Equation of Motion.- 4.2 Forced Undamped Vibration.- 4.3 Resonance and Beating.- 4.4 Forced Vibration of Damped Systems.- 4.5 Rotating Unbalance.- 4.6 Base Motion.- 4.7 Measuring Instruments.- 4.8 Experimental Methods for Damping Evaluation.- Problems.- 5 Response to Nonharmonic Forces.- 5.1 Periodic Forcing Functions.- 5.2 Determination of the Fourier Coefficients.- 5.3 Special Cases.- 5.4 Vibration Under Periodic Forcing Functions.- 5.5 Impulsive Motion.- 5.6 Response to an Arbitrary Forcing Function.- 5.7 Frequency Contents in Arbitrary Forcing Functions.- 5.8 Computer Methods in Nonlinear Vibration.- Problems.- 6 Systems with More Than One Degree of Freedom.- 6.1 Free Undamped Vibration.- 6.2 Matrix Equations.- 6.3 Damped Free Vibration.- 6.4 Undamped Forced Vibration.- 6.5 Vibration Absorber of the Undamped System.- 6.6 Forced Vibration of Damped Systems.- 6.7 The Untuned Viscous Vibration Absorber.- 6.8 Multi-Degree of Freedom Systems.- Problems.- 7 Continuous Systems.- 7.1 Free Longitudinal Vibrations.- 7.2 Free Torsional Vibrations.- 7.3Free Transverse Vibrations.- 7.4 Orthogonality of the Eigenfunctions.- 7.5 Forced Longitudinal and Torsional Vibrations.- 7.6 Forced Transverse Vibrations.- Problems.- References.- Answers to Selected Problems.