Author Description

Understanding the dynamic behavior of complex engineering structures, mechanisms, and components requires more than just a basic course in dynamics, and it requires more than the ability to use computer programs to obtain numerical solutions to problems encountered in practice. Advanced Dynamics extends its readers knowledge from the relatively simple concepts of basic dynamics to the more abstract ideas related to virtual displacements, virtual work, generalized coordinates, and variation principles. The authors' presentation gradually introduces the abstract concepts often intimidating to students, and, while doing so, furnish numerous exercises and worked examples that ease the difficulties often experienced when trying to apply the abstract concepts to physical systems. While their emphasis is on students' understanding and intuition, the authors not only address the methods and means of formulating mathematical models of physical systems, they also discuss methods of solution, including a full chapter on numerical techniques. Designed for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students in mechanical engineering, Advanced Dynamics also forms a trustworthy reference for engineers and other professionals working in areas such as robotics, multibody spacecraft, altitude control, and the design of complex mechanical devices.