Intended for graduate students, this textbook provides an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of analytical mechanics, as well as modern task-based approaches that can be exploited for real-world problems. Students will receive a timely perspective on applying theory to modern problems in areas like biomechanics and robotics.
Providing a unique bridge between the foundations of analytical mechanics and application to multi-body dynamical systems, this textbook is particularly well suited for graduate students seeking an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of analytical mechanics, as well as modern task space approaches for representing the resulting dynamics that can be exploited for real-world problems in areas such as biomechanics and robotics. Established principles in mechanics are presented in a thorough and modern way. The chapters build up from general mathematical foundations, an extensive treatment of kinematics, and then to a rigorous treatment of conservation and variational principles in mechanics. Parallels are drawn between the different approaches, providing the reader with insights that unify his or her understanding of analytical dynamics. Additionally, a unique treatment is presented on task space dynamical formulations that map traditional configuration space representations into more intuitive geometric spaces.
First published in 1987, this text offers concise but clear explanations and derivations to give readers a confident grasp of the chain of argument that leads from Newton’s laws through Lagrange’s equations and Hamilton’s principle, to Hamilton’s equations and canonical transformations. This new edition has been extensively revised and updated to include: A chapter on symplectic geometry and the geometric interpretation of some of the coordinate calculations. A more systematic treatment of the conections with the phase-plane analysis of ODEs; and an improved treatment of Euler angles. A greater emphasis on the links to special relativity and quantum theory showing how ideas from this classical subject link into contemporary areas of mathematics and theoretical physics. A wealth of examples show the subject in action and a range of exercises – with solutions – are provided to help test understanding.
With the direct, accessible, and pragmatic approach of Fowles and Cassiday's ANALYTICAL MECHANICS, Seventh Edition, thoroughly revised for clarity and concision, students will grasp challenging concepts in introductory mechanics. A complete exposition of the fundamentals of classical mechanics, this proven and enduring introductory text is a standard for the undergraduate Mechanics course. Numerical worked examples increased students' problem-solving skills, while textual discussions aid in student understanding of theoretical material through the use of specific cases.
Advanced Dynamics: Analytical and Numerical Calculations with MATLAB provides a thorough, rigorous presentation of kinematics and dynamics while using MATLAB as an integrated tool to solve problems. Topics presented are explained thoroughly and directly,allowing fundamental principles to emerge through applications from areas such as multibody systems, robotics, spacecraft and design of complex mechanical devices. This book differs from others in that it uses symbolic MATLAB for both theory and applications. Special attention is given to solutions that are solved analytically and numerically using MATLAB. The illustrations and figures generated with MATLAB reinforce visual learning while an abundance of examples offer additional support.
Analytical Mechanics, first published in 1999, provides a detailed introduction to the key analytical techniques of classical mechanics, one of the cornerstones of physics. It deals with all the important subjects encountered in an undergraduate course and prepares the reader thoroughly for further study at graduate level. The authors set out the fundamentals of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics early on in the book and go on to cover such topics as linear oscillators, planetary orbits, rigid-body motion, small vibrations, nonlinear dynamics, chaos, and special relativity. A special feature is the inclusion of many 'e-mail questions', which are intended to facilitate dialogue between the student and instructor. Many worked examples are given, and there are 250 homework exercises to help students gain confidence and proficiency in problem-solving. It is an ideal textbook for undergraduate courses in classical mechanics, and provides a sound foundation for graduate study.
