Books

Books : reviews

Forbes T. Brown.
Engineering Systems Dynamics: a unified graph-centered approach: 2nd edn.
CRC Press. 2007

Modeling the dynamics of complex systems is increasingly important across nearly all modern engineering disciplines. First published in 2001, Forbes T. Brown’s Engineering System Dynamics: A Unified Graph-Centered Approach introduced a unique and highly successful approach to modeling system dynamics using bond graphs. Updated with nearly one-third new material, this second edition expands this approach to an even broader range of topics.

What’s New in the Second Edition?

In addition to new material, this new edition was restructured to provide a strong introduction to linear mathematics following the presentation of the basic modeling elements. New topics include magnetic circuits and motors including simulating magnetic hysteresis, wave-scattering variables, and modal methods for distributed-parameter models; inclusion of kinetic energy in the simulation of thermodynamic systems; and Lagrangian methods of modeling. MATLAB® figures prominently in this edition as well, with code available for download from the Internet. This code includes simulations for problems that appear in the later chapters as well as code for selected thermodynamic substances.

Features

• Provides a thorough and practical introduction to modeling, analyzing, and simulating dynamic systems
• Combines mathematical and graphical tools, emphasizing bond graphs and graphically expressed element characteristics
• Demonstrates the use of the unified method across a broad spectrum of mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermodynamic applications in an accessible manner
• Contains substantial new material including dissipation processes in distributed systems, hybrid lumped/distributed simulation, and approaches to nonholonomic systems
• Provides appendices on MATLAB®, classical vibrations, Laplace transform pairs, as well as thermodynamic data and computer code
• Offers MATLAB® code available for download

Using a step-by-step pedagogy accompanied by abundant examples, graphs, illustrations, case studies, guided exercises, and homework problems, Engineering System Dynamics: A Unified Graph-Centered Approach, Second Edition offers a thoroughly modern and intuitive introduction for students and a highly practical reference for professional engineers.