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Analytical Mechanics: Course Outline (MAT 410)

In theoretical physics and mathematical physics, analytical mechanics, or theoretical mechanics is a collection of closely related alternative formulations of classical mechanics.

Course Objective

At the end of this course the students will be able to understand the fundamental principles of classical mechanics, to master concepts in Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics important to develop solid and systematic problem solving skills. To lay a solid foundation for more advanced study of classical mechanics and quantum mechanics.

Course Contents

  • Kinematics of particle and rigid body in three dimension;
  • Euler’s theorem. Work, Power, Energy, Conservative field of force, Motion in a resisting medium, Variable mass problem,
  • Moving coordinate systems, Rate of change of a vector, Motion relative to the rotating Earth,
  • The motion of a system of particles, Conservation laws, Generalized coordinates,
  • Lagrange’s equations, Hamilton’s equations, Simple applications, Motion of a rigid body,
  • Moments and products of inertia, Angular momentum,  kinetic energy about a fixed point, Principal axes;
  • Momental ellipsoid; Equimomental systems, Gyroscopic motion, Euler’s dynamical equations,
  • Properties of a rigid body motion under no forces

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Reference Books

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