Introduction

A brief introduction on the current state of the three-dimensional linearized theory of stability (TDLTS) is presented in a concise form with special focus on the justification of development of the TDLTS, the history of development of the TDLTS equations, different methods used to arrive at the equations of TDLTS, the use of TDLTS in different system of coordinates, and the use of initial imperfection rule. Details of historical and latest literature are provided for studies on materials exhibiting time-dependent strain, i.e., viscoelastic materials.