DYNAMIC INSTABILITIES IN MECHANICS OF STRUCTURES

In this retrospective, the author looks at the field of stability and postcritical behavior of structures for which analysis needs a dynamical approach. The following groups of dynamic instabilities are covered: 1) paxametrically excited vibrations; 2) response of structures to impact loading; 3) aero- and hydroelastic induced dynamic instabilities; 4) structural response to so-called follower forces; 5) instabilities of tubes conveying gas or fluid; 6) instabilities of rotors due to rotating friction and related factors; 7) vertex induced instabilities; and 8) fracture of structural members as a kind of dynamic instability. The main attention is paid to the early history, pioneering research, and basic concepts, in particular those which have been a subject of disagreement in the past and seem, in some aspects, instructive until now. At the same time, some recent results as well as some perspectives for future studies are discussed.