Structural Dynamics with Parameter Uncertainties

The treatment of structural parameters as random variables has been the subject of structural dynamicists and designers for many years. Several problems have been involved during the last few decades and resulted in new theorems and interesting phenomena. This paper reviews a number of topics pertaining to structural dynamics with parameter uncertainties. These include direct problems such as random eigenvalues and random responses of discrete and continuous systems. The impact of these problems on related areas of interest such as sensitivity of structural performance to parameter variations, design optimization, and reliability analysis is also addressed. The paper includes the results of experimental investigations, the phenomenon of normal modes localization, and the effect of mistuning of turbomachinery blades on their flutter and forced response characteristics.