Modeling, Analysis and Control of Dynamic Elastic Multi-Link Structures : Birkhauser : 9781461266891 : 1461266890 : 14 Oct 2012 : The purpose of this monograph is threefold. First, mathematical models of the transient behavior of some or all of the state variables describing the motion of multiple-link flexible structures will be developed. The structures which we have in mind consist of finitely many interconnected flexible ele­ ments such as strings, beams, plates and shells or combinations thereof and are representative of trusses, frames, robot arms, solar panels, antennae, deformable mirrors, etc. , currently in use. For example, a typical subsys­ tem found in almost all aircraft and space vehicles consists of beam, plate and/or shell elements attached to each other in a rigid or flexible manner. Due to limitations on their weights, the elements themselves must be highly flexible, and due to limitations on their initial configuration (i. e. , before de­ ployment), those aggregates