Engineering Vibration (3rd Edition)

Serving as both text and reference manual, this text connects traditional design-oriented topics, the introduction of modal analysis, and the use of MATLAB. The author provides an unequaled combination of the study of conventional vibration with the use of vibration design, analysis and testing in various engineering applications. Special-interest windows utilized throughout the text placed at points where prior or background information summaries are required. Remind readers of essential information pertinent to the text material, preventing them from flipping to previous chapters or reference texts for formulas or other information. Examines topics that reflect some of the recent advances in vibration technology, changes in ABET criteria and the increased importance of both engineering design and modal analysis. Incorporates MATLAB Vibration Toolbox throughout allowing readers to conduct and explore vibration analysis. Toolbox offers professional quality computer analyses including basics, introduction to model analysis with actual experimental data files and finite elements. Readers are challenged with over 65 computer problems (645 problems in all) including use of manufacture's design charts, measurement analysis, and matrix eigenvalue computing for frequencies and modes. Ideal for readers with an interest in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics.

Additionally, I am also a practicing engineer, currently employed by a manufacturer of vibration exciters, and have found the material on vibration testing to be accurate and informative. This makes the book valuable as a reference, as well as a textbook.


Explains concepts very clearly and with lots of examples   March 15, 2001
Rodrigo Echeverri (Cerrejon, Colombia)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I am taking a graduate course in linear vibrations and I have been using this book because I find it way easier to understand than the more "advanced" one recommended on the course outline.

The book explains how to use MatLab for Vibration analysis, which is a very powerful tool.


Great textbook   March 24, 2001
J.T. Sawicki (Cleveland, OH, USA.)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

I think that it is a great textbook, which gives students a good balance between the theory and practice, with the nice emphasis of computer capabilities in the area of vibration. I like it very much and I am sure that many students in this country would share my opinion.


Great Basic Book   April 7, 2008
Vera Lucia S. Faria (Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil)
This book is a good book for those who are interested in a beginning study or a reference for basic formulation. It has fantastic didactic and good exercises. So it's very good for undergraduate students. Following it's references may lead one to a bright specialization.


Basic intro:covers broad beginnings but slights practical   March 13, 1997
17 out of 18 found this review helpful

This book covers the basic material, but other books such as Schaum's Outline cover a lot of the same basic material. The Appendix on the Literature section is useful as an access point to other books on the text. Hartog's book has more applied information. SS Rao's book has stronger theoretical development. It is not strong on the mechanics of performing modal analysis from a mathematical approach. There are also better examples of LaGrange's method. Overall it is ok for a junior year text, but needs supplementing by the instructor. Wowk's book covers machinery vibration better. My biggest complaint would be that Inman doesn't cover sensing and other practical topics well.