Excerpt from Applied ElasticityOne very important departure from the strict mathematical theory is to be found in the use of approximate methods of solution based on the principle of minimum energy. The application of this method requires nothing more difficult than some simple integration, and the probable errors in the results attained are generally much smaller than the probable errors due to ignorance of the values of the elastic con stants. The method is ideal for dealing with problems on stability, since, with very little effort, it usually gives buckling loads to within one per cent. The process can also be applied, with unexpected success, to the task of finding the periods of normal oscillations of elastic bodies. Mathematically these oscillation problems are identical with the stability problems before mentioned.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.comThis book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully, any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.