Since the publication of the f:i>: edition of ih> book in \9'>\. ibe field of stochastic finite elements has greatly benefited from the concepts of spectral representation of stochastic processes in terms of thematic diversity and mathematical foundation. This, ir fact, was anticipated in the epilogue of the first printing of the book. In this context, it has been tempting to proceed with a second edition towards incorporating certain of these developments. However, it has been felt that the simplicity and tutorial effectiveness of the original version could be compromised by some of the logistic and conceptual details which would have to be incorporated. Therefore, the authors have decided to proceed with this Dover publication with the hope that the original, and in many respects seminal, concepts would become widely available to broad audience for a longer period of time. It is hoped that in this manner, the many requests that we had for reprinting, worldwide, will be answered.
Thanks are expressed to Dover Publications for accommodating this need and helping disseminate the original contribution towards a rational foundation for uncertainty quantification. Nevertheless, a somewhat exhaustive list o( references to the utilization, refinement, and extension of the concepts of this monograph is included as an addendum at the end of the book. It is hoped that this addkion will help as a catalyst for even more accelerated use of spectral approaches to new applications and mathematical formulation.