An Introduction to Lagrangian Mechanics: 2nd Edition: Second Edition - Hardcover

Alain J Brizard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 981462361X ISBN 13: 9789814623612

Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company, 2015

Synopsis

An Introduction to Lagrangian Mechanics begins with a proper historical perspective on the Lagrangian method by presenting Fermat's Principle of Least Time (as an introduction to the Calculus of Variations) as well as the principles of Maupertuis, Jacobi, and d'Alembert that preceded Hamilton's formulation of the Principle of Least Action, from which the Euler-Lagrange equations of motion are derived. Other additional topics not traditionally presented in undergraduate textbooks include the treatment of constraint forces in Lagrangian Mechanics; Routh's procedure for Lagrangian systems with symmetries; the art of numerical analysis for physical systems; variational formulations for several continuous Lagrangian systems; an introduction to elliptic functions with applications in Classical Mechanics; and Noncanonical Hamiltonian Mechanics and perturbation theory.

The Second Edition includes a larger selection of examples and problems (with hints) in each chapter and continues the strong emphasis of the First Edition on the development and application of mathematical methods (mostly calculus) to the solution of problems in Classical Mechanics.

New material has been added to most chapters. For example, a new derivation of the Noether theorem for discrete Lagrangian systems is given and a modified Rutherford scattering problem is solved exactly to show that the total scattering cross section associated with a confined potential (i.e., which vanishes beyond a certain radius) yields the hard-sphere result. The Frenet-Serret formulas for the Coriolis-corrected projectile motion are presented, where the Frenet-Serret torsion is shown to be directly related to the Coriolis deflection, and a new treatment of the sleeping-top problem is given.

About this title

Review

This book provides a very interesting presentation of ideas and methods from classical mechanics. It is reasonably self-contained, and should also be regarded as recommended reading both for the novice and the expert in theoretical mechanics. Brizard's book is a valuable contribution to the considered subject. --Pure and Applied Geophysics

Edition details

• Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 981462361X
• ISBN 13: 9789814623612
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 324