Elements of Newtonian Mechanics: Including Nonlinear Dynamics - Softcover

Knudsen, Jens M.; Hjorth, Poul G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3540608419 ISBN 13: 9783540608417

Publisher: Springer, 1996

Synopsis

In the second edition, a number of misprints that appeared in the first edition have been corrected. In addition to this, we have made improvements based on the experience gathered in the use of the first English edition of the book in the introductory course in physics at the University of Copenhagen. A chapter introducing nonlinear dynamics has been added. The purpose of this chapter is to provide supplementary reading for the students who are interested in this area of active research, where Newtonian mechanics plays an essential role. The students who wish to dig deeper, should consult texts dedicated to the study of nonlinear dynamical systems and chaos. The literature list at the end of this book contains several references for the topic. The book still contains a one-semester (15 weeks) first university course on Newtonian mechanics. This necessarily introduces some constraints on the choice of topics and the level of mathematical sophistication expected from the reader. If one looks for discussions of technical issues, such as the physics behind various manifestations of friction, or the tensorial nature of the rotation vector, one will look in vain. The book contains what we feel are the essential aspects of Newtonian Mechanics. It is a pleasure again to thank Springer-Verlag and in particular Dr. H. J. KOisch and the staff at the Heidelberg office for helpfulness and professional collaboration.

About this title

Review

This book provides an excellent introduction to Newtonian mechanics at an undergraduate level, it is used at University of Copenhague. All the classical topics are presented in a very clear way an discussed with many physicaI examples. The book is divided in 16 chapters and contains more than 100 problerns, of various difficulties, with solutions. It's pedagogical conception is absolutely remarkable, all concepts are carefully introduced and physically discussed with mamy details. Foundation of classical mechanics is first introduced and commented on many problems like acceleration of gravity, circular motion or conmunication satellite. Next chapter is devoted to Newton's laws of motion, more than 30 pages of the book contains examples, on direct applications of these law, from: various fields of physics. Gravitational and inertial mass are discussed in the next chapter and is followed by the concept of Galilei transformation. The next three chapters examine the problem of motion respectively of the Earth, in accelerated reference frames and at the kinematic and dynamic point of view. Energy, Center-of Mass and angular momentum theorem are analysed with some details in chapters 8-10. The problem of rigid body including the motion of the planets and the Kepler Iaws are presented and discussed with great attention. The book ends with the important problem of harmonic oscillators and some remarks on non-linear dynamics. In conclusion I warmly recommend this book to everyone interesting in Newtonian mechanics.
S. Metens. Physicalia, 2001/XXXVII/4

 

"The book presents an excellant description of basic principles of classical mechanics....This book can be useful not only to students, but also to specialists who teach the powerful methods of Newtonian mechanics and the imaginary Newton's world governed by laws of classical mechanics."-Zentralblatt MATH

Synopsis

This textbook provides a thorough introduction to Newtonian Mechanics and is intended for university students in physics, astronomy and engineering. It is based on a course for which Dr. Knudsen earned an award for the best teaching at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. More than 100 problems with solutions and 84 worked examples help the student to grasp the essential aspects of the subject, and to develop proficiency in using the powerful methods of Newtonian mechanics. Moreover, the fundamental problem of motion and the concept of inertial frames is faced from the very beginning, and runs through the entire development of classical mechanics. This new and fresh approach is presented in its second edition, which has been revised and enlarged by a new chapter on nonlinear dynamics.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 3540608419
• ISBN 13: 9783540608417
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 454