Mechanical Vibrations (6th ed.)

Book Preface

Changes in this Edition

This book serves as an introduction to the subject of vibration engineering at the undergraduate level. The style of the prior editions has been retained, with the theory, computational aspects, and applications of vibration presented in as simple a manner as possible. As in the previous editions, computer techniques of analysis are emphasized. Expanded explanations of the fundamentals are given, emphasizing physical significance and interpretation that build upon previous experiences in undergraduate mechanics. Numerous examples and problems are used to illustrate principles and concepts. Favorable reactions and encouragement from professors and students have provided me with the impetus to prepare this sixth edition of the book.

Several additions and modifications are made to the fifth edition to make the coverage of vibration more comprehensive and presentation easier to follow in the sixth edition. Most of these additions and modifications were suggested by those who have used the text and by several reviewers. Some of these are indicated below.

• A brief discussion of the anatomy of the human ear and how vibrations are converted into sound by the ear. Experienced engineers can predict the specific cause of malfunction of a machine or engine just by hearing the sound generated by the malfunction.
• Several new applications of vibration are introduced through new problems. The problems are related to the vibration of a child restraint in a child-seat in an automobile, the prediction of injury to head in an automobile accident, the vibratory response of a diver on a high board, the transportation of a precision instrument, and new problems on vibration control.
• The solutions of five examples and eight illustrations are revised for improved presentation so that the reader understands the concept/solution process more easily.
• Additional details are included in the sections related to the response of an undamped system under initial conditions for improved presentation.
• The description and formulation of vibration problems in several different systems of units is considered to obtain the same response of the physical system.
• A new section titled Beams on Elastic Foundation is added along with illustrative examples and problems. This topic finds application in practical situations such as a railway track.
• The stability and vibration of branches of trees with birds sitting on them is considered using the basic principles of mechanics and vibration.
• Nine new examples, 54 new problems (including three new design projects) and 14 new illustrations are added in this edition.

Features of the Book

• Each topic in Mechanical Vibrations is self-contained, with all concepts explained fully and the derivations presented with complete details.
• Computational aspects are emphasized throughout the book. MATLAB-based examples as well as several general purpose MATLAB programs with illustrative examples are given in the last section of every chapter. Numerous problems requiring the use of MATLAB or MATLAB programs (given in the text) are included at the end of every chapter.
• Certain topics are presented in a somewhat unconventional manner. The topics of Chapters 9, 10, and 11 fall in this category. Most textbooks discuss isolators, absorbers, and balancing in different chapters. Since one of the main purposes of the study of vibrations is to control vibration response, all topics related to vibration control are given in Chapter 9. The vibration measuring instruments, along with vibration exciters, experimental modal analysis procedure, and machine condition monitoring, are together presented in Chapter 10. Similarly, all the numerical integration methods applicable to single- and multi-degree-offreedom systems, as well as continuous systems, are unified in Chapter 11.
• Specific features include the following:
∘ 252 illustrative examples are given to accompany most topics.
∘ 988 review questions are included to help students in reviewing and testing their understanding of the text material. The review questions are in the form of multiple choice questions, questions with brief answers, true-false questions, questions involving matching of related descriptions, and fill-in-theblank type questions.
∘ An extensive set of problems is given in each chapter emphasizing a variety of applications of the material covered in that chapter. In total, there are 1214 problems, with solutions in the instructor’s manual.
∘ 34 design-project-type problems, many with no unique solution, are given at the end of various c hapters.
∘ 55 MATLAB programs are included to aid students in the numerical implementation of the methods discussed in the text.
∘ Biographical information about 22 scientists and engineers who contributed to the development of the theory of vibrations is presented on the opening pages of all chapters and appendices.
∘ MATLAB programs given in the book, answers to problems, and answers to review questions can be found on the Companion Website, www.pearsonglobaleditions.com/rao. The Solutions Manual, with solutions to all problems and hints to design projects, is available to instructors who adopt the text for their courses via download from “Instructor Resources” at www.pearsonglobaleditions.com/rao.