Computational Mechanics and Applied Analysis: Dynamics in Engineering Practice

Most undergraduate books for engineering dynamics exhibit a continuing disconnect from either the requirements of subsequent coursework or the practice of dynamics in an engineering career. Dynamics in Engineering Practice, Tenth Edition counters this dated viewpoint with a modern approach that is better suited to today’s engineering study and practice. Written by a renowned teacher, researcher, and professional consultant in applied dynamics, this book represents a revolutionary approach to modern engineering dynamics analysis―one you can assimilate quickly and easily to get immediate results.

The book begins by establishing the premise that most "dynamics engineers" are developing and analyzing models to predict motion, and that the subject of differential equations is the natural language for dynamics. From this starting point, the author immediately presents mechanical vibration examples to demonstrate applications of f=ma and work-energy principles, and he includes multiple "real-world" 1DOF and MDOF planar dynamics examples, which are completely worked out.

Dynamics describes the continuous evolution of motion, yet most textbooks approach the field as a series of ‘‘snapshots,’’ posing questions about variables at specific idealized positions or orientations. Advancing the idea that a practicing dynamics engineer’s central role is to develop and analyze models, this book:

• Presents an ordered and logical set of procedures and alternatives for developing models and solutions for any planar dynamic or vibration example
• Uses repeated examples to demonstrate how models are analyzed via current computer approaches
• Includes the latest MATLAB® updates and other proven methods for modeling and analysis
• Helps readers ask the right questions to get the most out of problems and optimize modeling of general dynamic systems.

Based on the author’s more than 40 years of experience teaching and developing courses in dynamics, this book teaches general skills―where effectiveness can be demonstrated for a wide range of problems, rather than a collection of problem-specific "tricks." An essential resource at both the academic and professional levels, this text will be indispensable to both students and working engineers analyzing real dynamic systems.

Dara W. Childs is the Leland T. Jordan Chaired Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Texas A&M University. Since 1984, he has directed the school’s Turbomachinery Laboratory. He has a distinguished research career, including work on many research and consulting projects related to dynamics of rotating machinery. He predicted a costly rotordynamic instability problem with the High Pressure Fuel Turbopump of the Space Shuttle Main Engine prior to tests and was instrumental in resolving the problem.