On modeling and direct solution of certain free vibration systems

This paper is concerned with physical modeling; it is also an introductory survey of direct solution techniques for a class of linear vibration systems of both discrete and distributed parameters. In the former, the close-coupled, far-coupled and branched systems are treated, and in the latter, the approximate solution to one-dimensional problems of vibrating strings and beams are mentioned in passing, greater emphasis being placed on two-dimensional problems of vibrating membranes and plates. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the method presented.