SPRING
2008
ME492 Advanced Topics in Structural Mechanics
DYNAMICS OF STRUCTURES
COURSE DESCRIPTION The course introduces the methods for analyzing the deformations and the stresses in different types of structures subjected to prescribed dynamic loading with particular attention to earthquake engineering. Topics include: overview of structural dynamics, matrix structural analysis and Finite Element analysis,  single-degree-of-freedom systems, multi-degree-of-freedom systems, linear and inelastic systems, numerical evaluation of dynamic response, Finite Element methods in dynamic analysis, earthquake response and structural design. The course is self-contained: some background in structural mechanics and Finite Element analysis is helpful but not required.
INSTRUCTOR Prof. RENATO PERUCCHIO, Hopeman 415, tel. X5-4069, e-mail: rlp@me.rochester.edu
Office hours: (all in Hopeman 415) Monday  and Wednesday 15:30 - 16:30, or by appointment
MEETING TIMES Lectures: Tuesday and Thursday, 16:50-18:05 a.m., in Morey 505.
TEXTBOOK A. Chopra,  Dynamics of Structures. Theory and Applications to Earthquake Engineering. 3rd edition (Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007)

There are also several  recommended books on 2-hr reserve in Carlson Library.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS Problem sets (at least eight) - 30 % of final grade

Two midterm exams - 25% each of final grade

Final oral exam - 20% of final grade


Renato Perucchio
updated 17 January 2008
Go to top of this page

Return to table of contents