Structural Dynamics

While much of the linear theory of structural dynamics has been codified in numerous computer software, important problems remain such as inverse methods (modal synthesis or system identification) and optimization problems. Nonlinear problems, however, are a fertile ground for new research, especially those involving large deformations (e.g., crash simulation) and material nonlinearities. Structure interaction problems will continue to be a fruitful area of research including fluid-structure dynamics and interaction with acoustic noise, thermal fields, soils, and electromagnetic forces. For example, new knowledge about unsteady flows around bluff bodies is needed to make significant progress with dynamic interaction problems with bridge and building structures in unsteady winds. A new field which shows great promise for application is the theory of feedback control of flexible structures. Advances in this area could pay off in near-space engineering and robotics. The training of new researchers with backgrounds in both structural dynamics and control theory and experience is a high priority for the control-structure field, however.