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541

The Preface to this book states that the second volume will contain problems of
dynamics, non-linear solution techniques and linear problems of plates and shells which
introduce special difficulties. Having read this first volume, I can look forward to seeing
Volume II with eagerness. This latest edition is a must for any serious student and user
of finite element methods.
M. PETYT

ROTORDYNAMICS
PREDICTION
IN ENGINEERING,
1990,by M.Lalanne and G.Ferrario.
Chichester: John Wiley and Sons Limited. ix+ 198~~. Price X29.95. ISBN 0 471 92633 7.

Technical papers on shaft whirling and rotor dynamics have appeared over the past 100
years. As in many areas of science and engineering, there has been a significant increase
in activity in research and development in rotor dynamics, with an associated rapid rise
in numbers of publications in the technical journals during the past 30 years or so.
Nevertheless, books on the topic have been relatively few in number, perhaps reflecting
in part the fact that rotor dynamics does not figure strongly in conventional engineering
courses at undergraduate
level. Until recently, conference proceedings, which have
appeared at frequent regular intervals, have formed the main source of comprehensive
information, but these proceedings can never provide a completely coherent picture.
The time has certainly come for publications in book form to record the present
state of knowledge in the area and to provide a foundation for further work. Such books
should be at several levels, ranging from introductory texts, for use in education and
industry, to advanced research surveys/monographs
reporting and assessing recent
developments.
No doubt in response to this clearly recognized need, a few texts have been published
in the past year or so, and the book under review is a welcome addition to this short list.
The work is well described by its title in that it provides a concise, clear introduction to
the analysis and computation of rotor response, covering topics such as the calculation
of natural frequencies, mode shapes, unbalance response and instability. It does not
provide the simple, physical understanding which would be required in a general introductory book on rotor dynamics, but the chosen topics are set out with commendable economy
in a clear mathematical style. It is essential, preparatory reading for research students
and industrial engineers who are just starting to work in the area, for both research
development and simple design calculations.
The book adopts an energy approach in formulating the basic equations of motion by
the application of Lagranges equations. Chapter 1 introduces the basic elements of a
rotor/shaft system, including flexibility mounted bearings and seals together with the
formulation of the basic energy and work functions. In chapter 2 some simple mathematical
models are derived by the use of Lagranges equations, leading to equations which can
be solved using simple hand calculations. Models are developed for both symmetric and
asymmetric rotors. The asymmetry in the latter arises from a lack of symmetry in the
bearing supports. Solutions are found for the natural frequencies as a function of shaft
speed, and for the response to force excitation arising from mass unbalance, an asynchronous force or a stationary harmonic force. Simple damping is added to the mathematical models, and the possibility of instability is discussed in the context of the RouthHurwitz criteria.
Attention in chapter 3 is directed towards rotors in turbomachinery. Finite element
techniques are introduced for the solution of the general equations of motion for single
and coaxial rotors. Simple solutions are proposed in terms of a direct method and a
pseudo-model method. These techniques are illustrated by numerical examples in chapter
4, together with an assessment of accuracy.

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BOOK

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Chapter 5 is the longest chapter in the book and forms the core of the work. It presents
a valuable collection of applications of the mathematical modelling to a range of real
industrial rotors, mainly compressors and steam and gas turbines. Eight examples are
discussed in detail, covering aspects such as natural frequencies, modes, viscous damping,
synchronous resonance due to mass unbalance and asynchronous resonances due to, for
example, coupling misalignment, blades, nozzles and internal aerodynamic excitations.
The results of this chapter provide helpful insight and experience to any student of rotor
dynamics.
The book finishes with three shorter chapters on more specialized aspects embracing
transient motions during starting and stopping, some torsion effects and some miscellaneous topics. The latter embrace an introductory discussion of the effects of rotating
asymmetry, as may occur in a cracked shaft for example, equations with periodic
coefficients and the influence of axial torque. Once again the numerical results are in
several instances supported by, and compared with, data from experimental and industrial
tests.
On a slightly critical note it is surprising that phase is not mentioned anywhere in the
text as an important vibration characteristic. In addition, the dot notation to indicate
time differentiation is somewhat unusually represented by, for example, 4 rather than
4. Despite these minor reservations, the book is thoroughly to be recommended as a well
written and clearly presented introduction to rotor dynamic prediction in engineering,
embodying mathematical modelling, numerical techniques and practical experience.
A. G. PARKINSON
SIGNALRECOVERYFROMNOISEINELECTRONICINSTRUMENTATION
(secondedition),1990,
by T. H. Wilmshurst. Bristol: Adam Hilger, IOP Publishing Ltd., Price E37.50 hardback;
f 12.50 paperback. ISBN 0 7503 00590 0 (hbk); 0 7503 0058 2 (pbk).

The subject of the book, recovery of signals from noise, is a problem common to workers
in many disciplines. This diverse need drives the authors development of the subject and
moderates what might otherwise be a highly mathematical treatment with few specifics
for practicing scientists. His careful exposition is aimed at advanced electronics undergraduates and graduate applied scientists. The material is covered in a descriptive as well
as an analytical manner. A knowledge of calculus is assumed, while other concepts such
as probability density functions are introduced as required. Although it is written primarily
as a text, the book is suitable for self-study and use as a reference since the material is
well sectionalized.
Major topics covered include; filtering, time averaging, phase sensitive detector
methods, white and l/f noise, digitization noise, continuous and transient signal recovery,
and frequency measurement. Combined noise contributions from signal drift, white noise
and l/f noise are presented, so that the student can select methods appropriate for the
total noise environment. The material flows nicely, with discussions of both time domain
and frequency domain methods included as appropriate. There is a clear effort to develop
understanding and intuition throughout the book.
The book is written in a clear and concise style, with particular attention paid throughout
to the use of introductory and summary statements. The reader is carefully introduced
to each topic, and the significance of the results developed is stated. Increasing levels of
sophistication are used only as needed after a concept has been presented. This style is
clearly the mark of a skilled teacher. The figures are particularly well thought out. While
they are often necessarily quite complex, the juxtaposition of waveforms, spectra and the
like is quite effective. Examples of signal recovery from noise are frequently used. My