Vibration and stability of time-dependent translating media

This article reviews some recent advances in the analysis of vibration and stability of linear, time-dependent translating media. Three problem areas are discussed: translating media transporting payloads, translating media with variable speed, and translating media with variable length. Previous research and basic governing equations are briefly reviewed. New methodologies developed by the author and others are highlighted, followed by a summary of major findings and possible directions for future research. The principal focus is on the intrinsic dynamic characteristics associated with distributed linear models of time-dependent translating media.