The use of composites and functionally graded materials (FGMs) in structural applications has increased. FGMs allow the user to design materials for a specified functionality and have many uses in structural engineering. However, the behavior of these structures under high-impact loading is not well understood. This book is the first to apply the Spectral Finite Element Method (SFEM) to inhomogeneous and anisotropic structures in a unified and systematic manner. It focuses on some of the problems with this media which were previously thought unmanageable. Types of SFEM for regular and damaged 1-D and 2-D waveguides, solution techniques, methods of detecting the presence of damages and their locations, and methods for controlling the wave propagation responses are discussed. Tables, figures and graphs support the theory and case studies are included. This book is of value to senior undergraduates and postgraduates studying in this field, and researchers and practicing engineers in structural integrity.

� propos de l?auteur

Prof. S. Gopalakrishnan is an Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. He has a decade of experience in applying wave based techniques for solving various structural engineering related problems. He is internationally recognized as one of the experts in the field, and is one of the few people responsible for popularizing the use of SFEM through his research publications and presentations.

Dr A. Chakraborty is a Senior Researcher at General Motors India.

Dr Roy Mahapatra is an Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. His research activities are related to the mechanics and dynamics of solid-state engineering materials and structures, and the study of complex systems.

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