Generalized Point Models in Structural Mechanics (Q3146973)

The author aptly describes the theme of the book in the preface. ``Among thousands of works dealing with vibration of fluid-loaded elastic plates and shells, a noticeable place belongs to the analysis of specific physical effects simulated in simple models allowing exact analytical or almost analytical solution (up to algebraic equations and computation of integrals or series). Such are classical point models in hydroelasticity.'' The book is written like a well organized PhD dissertation. In the first chapter the author reviews basic elasticity, thereby formulating the boundary value problems he wishes to address. He follows this with a chapter on Hilbert space and zero-range potentials, thus introducing the necessary mathematical tools. This is followed by the book's focus: solutions of a series of interesting hydroelastic problems. The book culminates with a discussion of the results and recommendations for future research.