VIBRATION OF VISCOUSLY DAMPED LINEAR DYNAMIC SYSTEMS Theote by Michael Edmond James O'Kelly In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy California Institute of Technology Pasadena, California (Submitted May 1, 1964)ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ‘The author wishes to record his sincere gratitude to Dr. T. K. Caughey. his research advisor for the constant assistance and encouragement given him during the course of his graduate studies He considers himself fortunate, indeed, to have been privileged to study under ouch an enlightened teacher of applied uiccbanice. He is further indebted to the many members of the faculty of the California Institute of Technology, with whom he came in contact during mis stay at the institute. in particular he 1s pleased to acknowledge the interest of the members of his committee, Dr. D. J. Braverman, Dr. G. W. Housner, Dr. D. E. Hudson and Dr. J. K. Knowles, in his work. The author is deeply grateful to the California Institute for the award of tuition scholarships, research and teaching assistantships and Cole Fellowships, which provided generous financial aid throughout his graduate education. He further acknowledges the oubotantial oupport of the thesis project by the Esso Educational Foundation and the Ford Foundation which made it possible for him to continue his studies un- interrupted during the summer vacations. s time for the author to record his sincere It is fitting at appreciation to Senator Professor P. M. Quinlan of the National University of Ireland for having first inspired him to do graduate work in the United States and for the unfailing support derived from this far from traditional teacher-student relationship.No acknowledgement would be complete without mention of the constant encouragement and understanding given the author by his parents and the many sacrifices endured by them so that he could complete his graduate studies. Finally, the author is sensible of his debt to Mrs. B. Mullican and Miss Mo Turner for their dedicated enaperation during the typing of the manuscript. Mr. R. K. Malhotra and Mr. M. P. Mortell graciously gave of their time to proofread the final draft.