Impact Engineering

Book excerpt: This second edition of Impact Engineering covers the dynamic analysis of structures undergoing small to large displacements, linear and nonlinear elastic material behavior to viscoplasticity, and the range of features of structural impact analysis. Individuals, as well as various governing bodies are concerned about protection against natural hazards, crash-type accidents, and terrorism- commonly referred to as "impact"- implying a rapid loading process. The book discusses the physics involved in such impact situations and incorporates analytical considerations as well as techniques to obtain and interpret experimental data and relevant numerical techniques. It also includes a chapter on scaling which is a relevant aspect when studying impact on large structures. This book will be useful for advanced students and professionals in civil and mechanical engineering as well as for students and researchers in applied physics and other relevant disciplines.