Variational Principles in Classical Mechanics

Variational Principles in Classical Mechanics

Author: Douglas Cline

Publisher:

Published: 2018-08

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9780998837277

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Two dramatically different philosophical approaches to classical mechanics were proposed during the 17th - 18th centuries. Newton developed his vectorial formulation that uses time-dependent differential equations of motion to relate vector observables like force and rate of change of momentum. Euler, Lagrange, Hamilton, and Jacobi, developed powerful alternative variational formulations based on the assumption that nature follows the principle of least action. These variational formulations now play a pivotal role in science and engineering.This book introduces variational principles and their application to classical mechanics. The relative merits of the intuitive Newtonian vectorial formulation, and the more powerful variational formulations are compared. Applications to a wide variety of topics illustrate the intellectual beauty, remarkable power, and broad scope provided by use of variational principles in physics.The second edition adds discussion of the use of variational principles applied to the following topics:(1) Systems subject to initial boundary conditions(2) The hierarchy of related formulations based on action, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, and equations of motion, to systems that involve symmetries.(3) Non-conservative systems.(4) Variable-mass systems.(5) The General Theory of Relativity.Douglas Cline is a Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York.


The Theory of Space, Time and Gravitation

The Theory of Space, Time and Gravitation

Author: V. Fock

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2015-08-11

Total Pages: 461

ISBN-13: 1483184900

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The Theory of Space, Time, and Gravitation, 2nd Revised Edition focuses on Relativity Theory and Einstein's Theory of Gravitation and correction of the misinterpretation of the Einsteinian Gravitation Theory. The book first offers information on the theory of relativity and the theory of relativity in tensor form. Discussions focus on comparison of distances and lengths in moving reference frames; comparison of time differences in moving reference frames; position of a body in space at a given instant in a fixed reference frame; and proof of the linearity of the transformation linking two inertial frames. The text then ponders on general tensor analysis, including permissible transformations for space and time coordinates, parallel transport of a vector, covariant differentiation, and basic properties of the curvature tensor. The publication examines the formulation of relativity theory in arbitrary coordinates and principles of the theory of gravitation. Topics include equations of mathematical physics in arbitrary coordinates; integral form of the conservation laws in arbitrary coordinates; variational principle and the energy tensor; and comparison with the statement of the problem in Newtonian theory. The manuscript is a dependable reference for readers interested in the theory of space, time, and gravitation.


Dictionary of Scientific Principles

Dictionary of Scientific Principles

Author: Stephen Marvin

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-01-04

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 047014680X

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Dictionary of Scientific Principles presents a unique and timeless collection of (almost) all known rules or laws commonly called principles, identified throughout the history of scientific development, their definition, and use. Exploring a broad range of disciplines, the book first lists more than 2,000 principles organized in a standard alphabetical order, then provides a list of subject headings for which related principles are identified. A staple addition to every library, the dictionary will also be of interest to scientists and general readers.


Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1968

Total Pages: 998

ISBN-13:

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Lists citations with abstracts for aerospace related reports obtained from world wide sources and announces documents that have recently been entered into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information Database.


African Doctorates in Mathematics

African Doctorates in Mathematics

Author:

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 385

ISBN-13: 1430318678

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This volume presents a catalogue of over 2000 doctoral theses by Africans in all fields of mathematics, including applied mathematics, mathematics education and history of mathematics. The introduction contains information about distribution by country, institutions, period, and by gender, about mathematical density, and mobility of mathematicians. Several appendices are included (female doctorate holders, doctorates in mathematics education, doctorates awarded by African universities to non-Africans, doctoral theses by non-Africans about mathematics in Africa, activities of African mathematicians at the service of their communities). Paulus Gerdes compiled the information in his capacity of Chairman of the African Mathematical Union Commission for the History of Mathematics in Africa (AMUCHMA). The book contains a preface by Mohamed Hassan, President of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and Executive Director of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS). (383 pp.)


Geometry and Invariance in Stochastic Dynamics

Geometry and Invariance in Stochastic Dynamics

Author: Stefania Ugolini

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-02-09

Total Pages: 273

ISBN-13: 303087432X

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This book grew out of the Random Transformations and Invariance in Stochastic Dynamics conference held in Verona from the 25th to the 28th of March 2019 in honour of Sergio Albeverio. It presents the new area of studies concerning invariance and symmetry properties of finite and infinite dimensional stochastic differential equations.This area constitutes a natural, much needed, extension of the theory of classical ordinary and partial differential equations, where the reduction theory based on symmetry and invariance of such classical equations has historically proved to be very important both for theoretical and numerical studies and has given rise to important applications. The purpose of the present book is to present the state of the art of the studies on stochastic systems from this point of view, present some of the underlying fundamental ideas and methods involved, and to outline the main lines for future developments. The main focus is on bridging the gap between deterministic and stochastic approaches, with the goal of contributing to the elaboration of a unified theory that will have a great impact both from the theoretical point of view and the point of view of applications. The reader is a mathematician or a theoretical physicist. The main discipline is stochastic analysis with profound ideas coming from Mathematical Physics and Lie’s Group Geometry. While the audience consists essentially of academicians, the reader can also be a practitioner with Ph.D., who is interested in efficient stochastic modelling.


Gauge Symmetries, Symmetry Breaking, and Gauge-Invariant Approaches

Gauge Symmetries, Symmetry Breaking, and Gauge-Invariant Approaches

Author: Philipp Berghofer

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2023-07-31

Total Pages: 124

ISBN-13: 1009197312

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Gauge symmetries play a central role, both in the mathematical foundations as well as the conceptual construction of modern (particle) physics theories. However, it is yet unclear whether they form a necessary component of theories, or whether they can be eliminated. It is also unclear whether they are merely an auxiliary tool to simplify (and possibly localize) calculations or whether they contain independent information. Therefore their status, both in physics and philosophy of physics, remains to be fully clarified. This Element reviews the current state of affairs on both the philosophy and the physics side. In particular, it focuses on the circumstances in which the restriction of gauge theories to gauge invariant information on an observable level is warranted, using the Brout-Englert-Higgs theory as an example of particular current importance. Finally, the authors determine a set of yet to be answered questions to clarify the status of gauge symmetries.