of mechanical engineering. The theoretical analyses are placed in the context of the real world and of laboratory tests - essential for the development of specifications. Volume I: Sinusoidal Vibration The relative and absolute response of a mechanical system with a single degree of freedom is considered for arbitrary excitation, and its transfer function defined in various forms. The characteristics of sinusoidal vibration are placed in the context both of the real world and of laboratory tests, and transient and steady-state response of the single-degree-of-freedom system. First viscous damping and than non-linear damping is considered. The various types of swept sine and their properties are described and, for the one degree-of-freedom system, the consequences of an inappropriate choice of sweep rate are considered. From the latter, rules governing the choice of suitable sweep rates are developed.

This is an English translation of a text first published in 1999 by Hermes Science Publications, Paris. In the first of five volumes covering theoretical and practical aspects of shock and vibration, Lalanne (French Atomic Energy Authority) analyzes mechanical systems with a single degree of freedom. The focus is on tailoring a new product's specifications during the design stage by studying the vibrational characteristics of its intended environment. Transient and steady-state characteristics of sinusoidal vibration are considered both in the context of the laboratory and in real-world conditions. Coverage includes viscous damping, non-linear damping, system responses to a swept sine, and rules governing choice of sweep rate. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)