ABSTRACT
The mobility and impedance representation is a very powerful tool in structural dynamics. It allows structures to be subdivided but does not have the high-frequency limitations of the finite element method. Problems can be formulated in terms of variables that are easily measurable, and the representation is particularly useful in the training of young researchers and engineers as it forces them to think of the physics of the problem in hand rather than simply the mathematics. In this chapter, mobility-impedance methods for both lumped param-
eter and distributed one-and two-dimensional systems are described. Following a historical review in Section 9.2, Section 9.3 describes the way in which mobilities can be used to study a variety of vibration problems. In Section 9.4 the mobility and impedance approach to describing lumped parameter systems is discussed. This section is based on the chapter written by Hixson in the Shock and Vibration Handbook (Hixson 1976). The following three sections extend the mobility-impedance to structural elements such as beams and plates that have distributed mass and stiffness.
