This monograph covers new variational and projection methods to study the dynamics within solid structures. To cope with the underlying initial-boundary value problems, the method of integrodifferential relations is employed. Applications and examples in physics, mechanics and control engineering range from natural vibrations or forced motions of elastic and viscoelastic bodies to heat and mass transfer processes.

Contents
Generalized formulations of parabolic and hyperbolic problems

Variational principles in linear elasticity

Variational statements in structural mechanics

Ritz method for initial-boundary value problems

Variational and projection techniques with semi-discretization

Integrodifferential approach to eigenvalue problems

Spatial vibrations of elastic beams with convex cross-sections

Double minimization in optimal control problems

Semi-discrete approximations in inverse dynamic problems

Modeling and control in mechatronics