Dynamic Stability of Columns Under Nonconservative Forces ― Theory and Experiment

This book treats dynamic stability of structures under nonconservative forces. it is not a mathematics-based, but rather a dynamics-phenomena-oriented monograph, written with a full experimental background. Starting with fundamentals on stability of columns under nonconservative forces, it then deals with the divergence of Euler’s column under a dead (conservative) loading from a view point of dynamic stability. Three experiments with cantilevered columns under a rocket-based follower force are described to present the verifiability of nonconservative problems of structural stability. Dynamic stability of columns under pulsating forces is discussed through analog experiments, and by analytical and experimental procedures together with related theories. Throughout the volume the authors retain a good balance between theory and experiments on dynamic stability of columns under nonconservative loading, offering a new window to dynamic stability of structures, promoting student- and scientist-friendly experiments.

Yoshihiko Sugiyama was born in Tokyo in 1940. He graduated from Osaka Prefecture University with a major in aeronautical engineering. He received the degrees of master of engineering and doctor of engineering from Osaka Prefecture University. He was a lecturer at Department of Vehicle Engineering, Osaka Sangyo University in 1969-1970. In 1971, he moved to Tottori University as an associate professor of mechanical engineering. In 1986, he joined the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, as a professor of aerospace structures engineering. In 2003, he moved to Ryukoku University and retired in 2008. He was an Honorary Visitor at University College London (with Professor R. E. D. Bishop) in 1977-1978, and a Visiting Associate Professor at University of Waterloo (with Professor H. Leipholz) in 1981. At present, he is an Emeritus Professor at Osaka Prefecture University. He is a Visiting Professor at a Small Spacecraft Research Center, Osaka Prefecture University. His majors cover lightweight structures engineering, buckling of structures, dynamic stability of structures, optimum design of structures, and composite structures.