Energy Methods in Dynamics

Energy Methods in Dynamics is a textbook based on the lectures given by the first author at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. Its aim is to help students acquire both a good grasp of the first principles from which the governing equations can be derived, and the adequate mathematical methods for their solving. Its distinctive features, as seen from the title, lie in the systematic and intensive use of Hamilton's variational principle and its generalizations for deriving the governing equations of conservative and dissipative mechanical systems, and also in providing the direct variational-asymptotic analysis, whenever available, of the energy and dissipation for the solution of these equations. It demonstrates that many well-known methods in dynamics like those of Lindstedt-Poincare, Bogoliubov-Mitropolsky, Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser (KAM), WentzelKramersBrillouin (WKB), and Whitham are derivable from this variational-asymptotic analysis.

This second edition includes the solutions to all exercises as well as some new materials concerning amplitude and slope modulations of nonlinear dispersive waves.

Gives insight into the mechanism of vibrations and waves in order to control them in an optimal way Introduction to the systematic and intensive use of Hamilton's variational principle and its generalizations for deriving the governing equations of conservative and dissipative mechanical systems Presents the first principles from which the governing equations can be derived, and the adequate mathematical methods for their solving Presents the direct variational-asymptotic analysis and how many well-known methods in dynamics like those of Lindstedt-Poincare, Bogoliubov-Mitropolsky, Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser (KAM), and Witham can be derived from it The new extended and reworked second edition of this successful book includes solutions to all exercises showing the energy and variational asymptotic method in action The present second edition also includes a new chapter on the new developments in slope and amplitude modulation of nonlinear waves

Inhalt
Part I Linear theory.- Part II Nonlinear theory.