Precision Sensors, Actuators and Systems

Precision Sensors, Actuators and Systems

Author: H.S. Tzou

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 478

ISBN-13: 9401118183

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Research into and development of high-precision systems, microelectromechanical systems, distributed sensors/actuators, smart structural systems, high-precision controls, etc. have drawn much attention in recent years. These new devices and systems will bring about a new technical revolution in modern industries and impact future human life. This book presents a unique overview of these technologies such as silicon based sensors/actuators and control piezoelectric micro sensors/actuators, micro actuation and control, micro sensor applications in robot control, optical fiber sensors/systems, etc. These are four essential subjects emphasized in the book: 1. Survey of the (current) research and development; 2. Fundamental theories and tools; 3. Practical applications. 4. Outlining future research and development.


Book Synopsis Precision Sensors, Actuators and Systems by : H.S. Tzou

Download or read book Precision Sensors, Actuators and Systems written by H.S. Tzou and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 478 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Research into and development of high-precision systems, microelectromechanical systems, distributed sensors/actuators, smart structural systems, high-precision controls, etc. have drawn much attention in recent years. These new devices and systems will bring about a new technical revolution in modern industries and impact future human life. This book presents a unique overview of these technologies such as silicon based sensors/actuators and control piezoelectric micro sensors/actuators, micro actuation and control, micro sensor applications in robot control, optical fiber sensors/systems, etc. These are four essential subjects emphasized in the book: 1. Survey of the (current) research and development; 2. Fundamental theories and tools; 3. Practical applications. 4. Outlining future research and development.


Safety Evaluation Based on Identification Approaches Related to Time-Variant and Nonlinear Structures

Safety Evaluation Based on Identification Approaches Related to Time-Variant and Nonlinear Structures

Author: Hans G. Natke

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 3322894673

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Safety evaluation by definition involves many complex factors and thus covers a wide range of topics. In order to focus the content of the workshop the subject matter was specific to the state of the art and the recent developments in nonlinear and time-variant methods employing identification procedures. Participants in the workshop represented a wide range of expertise. They were se lected in order to cover the state of the art of knowledge in fault-detection and dam age assessment, system identification, signal processing, mathematical and physical modelling and applications of techniques such as fuzzy logic and neural networks. The emphasis was placed on the exploitation and understanding of nonlinearity arising from structural or material faults. Figure 1 indicates the range of topics covered in the workshop. Since no unique or general approach yet exists for treating nonlinearity in the field of safety evaluation, many of the topics presented were problem specific. In order to assist the reader in selecting the material of primary interest a matrix of the topics covered by each participant is shown in Table 1. This table relates the authors to the subject matter, providing a guide through the diverse range of topics presented at the workshop.


Book Synopsis Safety Evaluation Based on Identification Approaches Related to Time-Variant and Nonlinear Structures by : Hans G. Natke

Download or read book Safety Evaluation Based on Identification Approaches Related to Time-Variant and Nonlinear Structures written by Hans G. Natke and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Safety evaluation by definition involves many complex factors and thus covers a wide range of topics. In order to focus the content of the workshop the subject matter was specific to the state of the art and the recent developments in nonlinear and time-variant methods employing identification procedures. Participants in the workshop represented a wide range of expertise. They were se lected in order to cover the state of the art of knowledge in fault-detection and dam age assessment, system identification, signal processing, mathematical and physical modelling and applications of techniques such as fuzzy logic and neural networks. The emphasis was placed on the exploitation and understanding of nonlinearity arising from structural or material faults. Figure 1 indicates the range of topics covered in the workshop. Since no unique or general approach yet exists for treating nonlinearity in the field of safety evaluation, many of the topics presented were problem specific. In order to assist the reader in selecting the material of primary interest a matrix of the topics covered by each participant is shown in Table 1. This table relates the authors to the subject matter, providing a guide through the diverse range of topics presented at the workshop.


Piezoelectric Shells

Piezoelectric Shells

Author: Hornsen (HS) Tzou

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-12-06

Total Pages: 456

ISBN-13: 9402412581

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This book offers an introduction to piezoelectric shells and distributed sensing, energy harvesting and control applications. It familiarizes readers with a generic approach of piezoelectric shells and fundamental electromechanics of distributed piezoelectric sensors, energy harvesters and actuators applied to shell structures. The book is divided into two major parts, the first of which focuses on piezoelectric shell continua, while the second examines distributing sensing, energy harvesting and control of elastic continua, e.g., shells and plates. The exploitation of new, advanced multifunctional smart structures and structronic systems has been one of the mainstream research and development activities over the years. In the search for innovative structronics technologies, piezoelectric materials have proved to be very versatile in both sensor and actuator applications. Consequently, the piezoelectric technology has been applied to a broad range of practical applications, from small-scale nano- and micro-sensors/actuators to large-scale airplane and space structures and systems. The book provides practicing engineers and researchers with an introduction to advanced piezoelectric shell theories and distributed sensor/energy harvester/actuator technologies in the context of structural identification, energy harvesting and precision control. The book can also be used as a textbook for graduate students. This second edition contains substantial new materials, especially energy harvesting and experimental components, and has been updated and corrected for a new generation of readers.


Book Synopsis Piezoelectric Shells by : Hornsen (HS) Tzou

Download or read book Piezoelectric Shells written by Hornsen (HS) Tzou and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-12-06 with total page 456 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers an introduction to piezoelectric shells and distributed sensing, energy harvesting and control applications. It familiarizes readers with a generic approach of piezoelectric shells and fundamental electromechanics of distributed piezoelectric sensors, energy harvesters and actuators applied to shell structures. The book is divided into two major parts, the first of which focuses on piezoelectric shell continua, while the second examines distributing sensing, energy harvesting and control of elastic continua, e.g., shells and plates. The exploitation of new, advanced multifunctional smart structures and structronic systems has been one of the mainstream research and development activities over the years. In the search for innovative structronics technologies, piezoelectric materials have proved to be very versatile in both sensor and actuator applications. Consequently, the piezoelectric technology has been applied to a broad range of practical applications, from small-scale nano- and micro-sensors/actuators to large-scale airplane and space structures and systems. The book provides practicing engineers and researchers with an introduction to advanced piezoelectric shell theories and distributed sensor/energy harvester/actuator technologies in the context of structural identification, energy harvesting and precision control. The book can also be used as a textbook for graduate students. This second edition contains substantial new materials, especially energy harvesting and experimental components, and has been updated and corrected for a new generation of readers.


Self-Powered Cyber Physical Systems

Self-Powered Cyber Physical Systems

Author: Rathishchandra R. Gatti

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2023-09-20

Total Pages: 374

ISBN-13: 111984200X

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SELF-POWERED CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEMS This cutting-edge new volume provides a comprehensive exploration of emerging technologies and trends in energy management, self-powered devices, and cyber-physical systems, offering valuable insights into the future of autonomous systems and addressing the urgent need for energy-efficient solutions in a world that is increasingly data-driven and sensor-rich. This book is an attempt to aim at a very futuristic vision of achieving self-powered cyber-physical systems by applying a multitude of current technologies such as ULP electronics, thin film electronics, ULP transducers, autonomous wireless sensor networks using energy harvesters at the component level and energy efficient clean energy for powering data centers and machines at the system level. This is the need of the hour for cyber-physical systems since data requires energy when it is stored, transmitted, or converted to other forms. Cyber-physical systems will become energy hungry since the industry trend is towards ubiquitous computing with massive deployment of sensors and actuators. This is evident in using blockchain technologies such as Bitcoin or running epochs for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Hence, there is a need for research to understand energy patterns and distribution in cyber-physical systems and adopt new technologies to transcend to self-powered cyber-physical systems. This book explores the recent trends in energy management, self-powered devices, and methods in the cyber-physical world. Written and edited by a team of experts in the field, this book tackles a multitude of subjects related to cyber physical systems (CPSs), including self-powered sensory transducers, ambient energy harvesting for wireless sensor networks, actuator methods and non-contact sensing equipment for soft robots, alternative optimization strategies for DGDCs to improve task distribution and provider profits, wireless power transfer methods, machine learning algorithms for CPS and IoT applications, integration of renewables, electric vehicles (EVs), smart grids, RES micro-grid and EV systems for effective load matching, self-powered car cyber-physical systems, anonymous routing and intrusion detection systems for VANET security, data-driven pavement distress prediction methods, the impact of autonomous vehicles on industries and the auto insurance market, Intelligent transportation systems and associated security concerns, digital twin prototypes and their automotive applications, farming robotics for CPS farming, self-powered CPS in smart cities, self-powered CPS in healthcare and biomedical devices, cyber-security considerations, societal impact and ethical concerns, and advances in human-machine interfaces and explore the integration of self-powered CPS in industrial automation. Whether for the veteran engineer or student, this volume is a must-have for any library.


Book Synopsis Self-Powered Cyber Physical Systems by : Rathishchandra R. Gatti

Download or read book Self-Powered Cyber Physical Systems written by Rathishchandra R. Gatti and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2023-09-20 with total page 374 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SELF-POWERED CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEMS This cutting-edge new volume provides a comprehensive exploration of emerging technologies and trends in energy management, self-powered devices, and cyber-physical systems, offering valuable insights into the future of autonomous systems and addressing the urgent need for energy-efficient solutions in a world that is increasingly data-driven and sensor-rich. This book is an attempt to aim at a very futuristic vision of achieving self-powered cyber-physical systems by applying a multitude of current technologies such as ULP electronics, thin film electronics, ULP transducers, autonomous wireless sensor networks using energy harvesters at the component level and energy efficient clean energy for powering data centers and machines at the system level. This is the need of the hour for cyber-physical systems since data requires energy when it is stored, transmitted, or converted to other forms. Cyber-physical systems will become energy hungry since the industry trend is towards ubiquitous computing with massive deployment of sensors and actuators. This is evident in using blockchain technologies such as Bitcoin or running epochs for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Hence, there is a need for research to understand energy patterns and distribution in cyber-physical systems and adopt new technologies to transcend to self-powered cyber-physical systems. This book explores the recent trends in energy management, self-powered devices, and methods in the cyber-physical world. Written and edited by a team of experts in the field, this book tackles a multitude of subjects related to cyber physical systems (CPSs), including self-powered sensory transducers, ambient energy harvesting for wireless sensor networks, actuator methods and non-contact sensing equipment for soft robots, alternative optimization strategies for DGDCs to improve task distribution and provider profits, wireless power transfer methods, machine learning algorithms for CPS and IoT applications, integration of renewables, electric vehicles (EVs), smart grids, RES micro-grid and EV systems for effective load matching, self-powered car cyber-physical systems, anonymous routing and intrusion detection systems for VANET security, data-driven pavement distress prediction methods, the impact of autonomous vehicles on industries and the auto insurance market, Intelligent transportation systems and associated security concerns, digital twin prototypes and their automotive applications, farming robotics for CPS farming, self-powered CPS in smart cities, self-powered CPS in healthcare and biomedical devices, cyber-security considerations, societal impact and ethical concerns, and advances in human-machine interfaces and explore the integration of self-powered CPS in industrial automation. Whether for the veteran engineer or student, this volume is a must-have for any library.


Intelligent Systems and Robotics

Intelligent Systems and Robotics

Author: George Zobrist

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2000-03-09

Total Pages: 466

ISBN-13: 9789056996659

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Intelligent Systems and Robotics focuses on new developments in robotics and intelligent systems and provides insight, guidance and specific techniques vital to those concerned with the design and implementation of robotics and intelligent system applications. Intelligent Systems and Robotics presents information on a 3-D vision for robots and intelligent control of a vision-based reasoning system with a robot manipulator. The reader will find authoritative presentations on autonomous land vehicle navigation, manipulator reachable workspace problems and the formulation of algorithms for their solution. Covered are methods for medical applications utilizing expert adaptive control, the integrated piezoelectric sensor/actuator design for distributed identification and control of smart machines, including theory, experiments, finite element formulation and analysis. Automatic repair of aircraft transparencies and geometric modeling utilized in robot task planning as well as the evaluation of standard fieldbus networks utilized in the factory environment are presented.


Book Synopsis Intelligent Systems and Robotics by : George Zobrist

Download or read book Intelligent Systems and Robotics written by George Zobrist and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2000-03-09 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Intelligent Systems and Robotics focuses on new developments in robotics and intelligent systems and provides insight, guidance and specific techniques vital to those concerned with the design and implementation of robotics and intelligent system applications. Intelligent Systems and Robotics presents information on a 3-D vision for robots and intelligent control of a vision-based reasoning system with a robot manipulator. The reader will find authoritative presentations on autonomous land vehicle navigation, manipulator reachable workspace problems and the formulation of algorithms for their solution. Covered are methods for medical applications utilizing expert adaptive control, the integrated piezoelectric sensor/actuator design for distributed identification and control of smart machines, including theory, experiments, finite element formulation and analysis. Automatic repair of aircraft transparencies and geometric modeling utilized in robot task planning as well as the evaluation of standard fieldbus networks utilized in the factory environment are presented.


Piezoelectric Shells

Piezoelectric Shells

Author: H.S. Tzou

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 493

ISBN-13: 9401117837

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Exploiting new advanced structures and electromechanical systems, e. g. , adaptive structures, high-precision systems, micro electromechanical systems, distributed sensors/actuators, precision manipulation and controls, etc. , has been becoming one of the mainstream research and development activities (structure & motion) in recent years. These new systems and devices could bring a new technological revolution in modern industries and further, directly or indirectly, impact human life. In the search for and research in innovative technologies, it is proved that piezoelectric materials are very versatile in both sensor and actuator applications. Consequently, piezoelectric technology has been widely applied to a large number of industrial applications and devices, varying from thin-film micro sensors/actuators to large space structures in addition to those relatively conventional applications, e. g. , sensors, actuators, hydrophones, precision manipulators, mobile robots, micro motors, etc. There have been a few books on piezoelectricity published in the past; however, a unified presentation of piezoelectric shells and distributed senSing/control applications is still lacking. This book is intended to fill the gap and to pro~de practising engineers and researchers with an introduction to advanced piezoelectric shell theories and distributed sensor/actuator technologies in structural identification and control. This book represents a collection of the author's recent research and development on piezoelectric shells and related applications to distributed measurement and control of continuaj it reflects six best-paper awards, including [ xviii] • Contents. two ASME Best-Paper Awards in recent years.


Book Synopsis Piezoelectric Shells by : H.S. Tzou

Download or read book Piezoelectric Shells written by H.S. Tzou and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 493 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Exploiting new advanced structures and electromechanical systems, e. g. , adaptive structures, high-precision systems, micro electromechanical systems, distributed sensors/actuators, precision manipulation and controls, etc. , has been becoming one of the mainstream research and development activities (structure & motion) in recent years. These new systems and devices could bring a new technological revolution in modern industries and further, directly or indirectly, impact human life. In the search for and research in innovative technologies, it is proved that piezoelectric materials are very versatile in both sensor and actuator applications. Consequently, piezoelectric technology has been widely applied to a large number of industrial applications and devices, varying from thin-film micro sensors/actuators to large space structures in addition to those relatively conventional applications, e. g. , sensors, actuators, hydrophones, precision manipulators, mobile robots, micro motors, etc. There have been a few books on piezoelectricity published in the past; however, a unified presentation of piezoelectric shells and distributed senSing/control applications is still lacking. This book is intended to fill the gap and to pro~de practising engineers and researchers with an introduction to advanced piezoelectric shell theories and distributed sensor/actuator technologies in structural identification and control. This book represents a collection of the author's recent research and development on piezoelectric shells and related applications to distributed measurement and control of continuaj it reflects six best-paper awards, including [ xviii] • Contents. two ASME Best-Paper Awards in recent years.


The CRC Handbook of Mechanical Engineering

The CRC Handbook of Mechanical Engineering

Author: D. Yogi Goswami

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2004-09-29

Total Pages: 2690

ISBN-13: 1420041584

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The second edition of this standard-setting handbook provides and all-encompassing reference for the practicing engineer in industry, government, and academia, with relevant background and up-to-date information on the most important topics of modern mechanical engineering. These topics include modern manufacturing and design, robotics, computer engineering, environmental engineering, economics, patent law, and communication/information systems. The final chapter and appendix provide information regarding physical properties and mathematical and computational methods. New topics include nanotechnology, MEMS, electronic packaging, global climate change, electric and hybrid vehicles, and bioengineering.


Book Synopsis The CRC Handbook of Mechanical Engineering by : D. Yogi Goswami

Download or read book The CRC Handbook of Mechanical Engineering written by D. Yogi Goswami and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2004-09-29 with total page 2690 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The second edition of this standard-setting handbook provides and all-encompassing reference for the practicing engineer in industry, government, and academia, with relevant background and up-to-date information on the most important topics of modern mechanical engineering. These topics include modern manufacturing and design, robotics, computer engineering, environmental engineering, economics, patent law, and communication/information systems. The final chapter and appendix provide information regarding physical properties and mathematical and computational methods. New topics include nanotechnology, MEMS, electronic packaging, global climate change, electric and hybrid vehicles, and bioengineering.


Wave Motion, Intelligent Structures and Nonlinear Mechanics

Wave Motion, Intelligent Structures and Nonlinear Mechanics

Author: Herbert šberall

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 1995

Total Pages: 334

ISBN-13: 9789810229818

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This book is a collection of papers on the subject of applied system dynamics and control written by experts in this field. It offers the reader a sampling of exciting research areas in three fast-growing branches: (i) Wave Motion (ii) Intelligent Structures (iii) Nonlinear Mechanics. The topics covered include flow instability, nonlinear mode localization autoparametric systems with pendula, and geometric stiffening in multibody dynamics. Mathematical methods include perturbation methods, modern control theory, nonlinear neural nets, and resonance scattering theory of šberall-Ripoche-Maze. Applications include sound-induced structural vibrations, fiber acoustic waveguides, vibration suppression of structures, linear control of gyroscopic systems, and nonlinear control of distributed systems.This book shows how applied system dynamics and control is currently being utilized and investigated. It will be of interest to engineers, applied mathematicians and physicists.


Book Synopsis Wave Motion, Intelligent Structures and Nonlinear Mechanics by : Herbert šberall

Download or read book Wave Motion, Intelligent Structures and Nonlinear Mechanics written by Herbert šberall and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 1995 with total page 334 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a collection of papers on the subject of applied system dynamics and control written by experts in this field. It offers the reader a sampling of exciting research areas in three fast-growing branches: (i) Wave Motion (ii) Intelligent Structures (iii) Nonlinear Mechanics. The topics covered include flow instability, nonlinear mode localization autoparametric systems with pendula, and geometric stiffening in multibody dynamics. Mathematical methods include perturbation methods, modern control theory, nonlinear neural nets, and resonance scattering theory of šberall-Ripoche-Maze. Applications include sound-induced structural vibrations, fiber acoustic waveguides, vibration suppression of structures, linear control of gyroscopic systems, and nonlinear control of distributed systems.This book shows how applied system dynamics and control is currently being utilized and investigated. It will be of interest to engineers, applied mathematicians and physicists.


Modern Trends in Composite Laminates Mechanics

Modern Trends in Composite Laminates Mechanics

Author: Holm Altenbach

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-05-04

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13: 3709125448

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The aim of the book is to give a clear picture of some new modern trends in composite mechanics and to give a presentation of the current state-of-the-art of the theory and application of composite laminates. The book addresses the basics as well as recent developments in the theory of laminates and their effective properties, the problem of testing and identification of properties, strength, damage, and failure of composite laminates, lightweight construction principles, optimization techniques, the generation of smart structures, and a number of special technical aspects (e.g. stress localization), their modelling and analysis. The intention of the book is to provide deeper understanding, to give mathematical and algorithmic techniques for analysis, simulation and optimization and to link various aspects of composite mechanics as necessary to exploit the full potential that is possible for composite structures.


Book Synopsis Modern Trends in Composite Laminates Mechanics by : Holm Altenbach

Download or read book Modern Trends in Composite Laminates Mechanics written by Holm Altenbach and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-05-04 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The aim of the book is to give a clear picture of some new modern trends in composite mechanics and to give a presentation of the current state-of-the-art of the theory and application of composite laminates. The book addresses the basics as well as recent developments in the theory of laminates and their effective properties, the problem of testing and identification of properties, strength, damage, and failure of composite laminates, lightweight construction principles, optimization techniques, the generation of smart structures, and a number of special technical aspects (e.g. stress localization), their modelling and analysis. The intention of the book is to provide deeper understanding, to give mathematical and algorithmic techniques for analysis, simulation and optimization and to link various aspects of composite mechanics as necessary to exploit the full potential that is possible for composite structures.


IUTAM Symposium on Chaotic Dynamics and Control of Systems and Processes in Mechanics

IUTAM Symposium on Chaotic Dynamics and Control of Systems and Processes in Mechanics

Author: Giuseppe Rega

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2006-06-22

Total Pages: 518

ISBN-13: 1402032684

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The interest of the applied mechanics community in chaotic dynamics of engineering systems has exploded in the last fifteen years, although research activity on nonlinear dynamical problems in mechanics started well before the end of the Eighties. It developed first within the general context of the classical theory of nonlinear oscillations, or nonlinear vibrations, and of the relevant engineering applications. This was an extremely fertile field in terms of formulation of mechanical and mathematical models, of development of powerful analytical techniques, and of understanding of a number of basic nonlinear phenomena. At about the same time, meaningful theoretical results highlighting new solution methods and new or complex phenomena in the dynamics of deterministic systems were obtained within dynamical systems theory by means of sophisticated geometrical and computational techniques. In recent years, careful experimental studies have been made to establish the actual occurrence and observability of the predicted dynamic phenomena, as it is vitally needed in all engineering fields. Complex dynamics have been shown to characterize the behaviour of a great number of nonlinear mechanical systems, ranging from aerospace engineering applications to naval applications, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, robotics and biomechanics, and other areas. The International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics grasped the importance of such complex phenomena in the Eighties, when the first IUTAM Symposium devoted to the general topic of nonlinear and chaotic dynamics in applied mechanics and engineering was held in Stuttgart (1989).


Book Synopsis IUTAM Symposium on Chaotic Dynamics and Control of Systems and Processes in Mechanics by : Giuseppe Rega

Download or read book IUTAM Symposium on Chaotic Dynamics and Control of Systems and Processes in Mechanics written by Giuseppe Rega and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2006-06-22 with total page 518 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The interest of the applied mechanics community in chaotic dynamics of engineering systems has exploded in the last fifteen years, although research activity on nonlinear dynamical problems in mechanics started well before the end of the Eighties. It developed first within the general context of the classical theory of nonlinear oscillations, or nonlinear vibrations, and of the relevant engineering applications. This was an extremely fertile field in terms of formulation of mechanical and mathematical models, of development of powerful analytical techniques, and of understanding of a number of basic nonlinear phenomena. At about the same time, meaningful theoretical results highlighting new solution methods and new or complex phenomena in the dynamics of deterministic systems were obtained within dynamical systems theory by means of sophisticated geometrical and computational techniques. In recent years, careful experimental studies have been made to establish the actual occurrence and observability of the predicted dynamic phenomena, as it is vitally needed in all engineering fields. Complex dynamics have been shown to characterize the behaviour of a great number of nonlinear mechanical systems, ranging from aerospace engineering applications to naval applications, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, robotics and biomechanics, and other areas. The International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics grasped the importance of such complex phenomena in the Eighties, when the first IUTAM Symposium devoted to the general topic of nonlinear and chaotic dynamics in applied mechanics and engineering was held in Stuttgart (1989).