ABSTRACT
In this chapter, a variational characterization of a solution to an initial boundary value problem of elastodynamics is presented. The characterization includes the classical Hamilton-Kirchhoff Principle and a number of convolutional variational principles of Gurtin’s type that describe completely a solution to an initial-boundary value problem. In particular, the convolutional principles without counterparts in elastostatics are discussed. Also, a pure stress variational principle of incompatible elastodynamics is formulated. The chapter contains a number of worked examples, and also end-of-chapter problems with solutions provided in the Solutions Manual.
