Analytical Mechanics : Solutions to Problems in Classical Physics

The principles and methods of analytical mechanics are very efficient for investigating not only mechanics but also in areas such as field theory, plasma physics, and quantum mechanics. This text presents a short theoretical description of these subjects, followed by solved problems. The authors thoroughly discuss solutions to the problems by taking a comprehensive approach to explore the methods of investigation. They carefully perform the calculations step by step, graphically displaying some solutions via Mathematica^® 4.0.

Giving students a thorough grounding in basic problems and their solutions, Analytical Mechanics: Solutions to Problems in Classical Physics presents a short theoretical description of the principles and methods of analytical mechanics, followed by solved problems. The authors thoroughly discuss solutions to the problems by taking a comprehensive approach to explore the methods of investigation. They carefully perform the calculations step by step, graphically displaying some solutions via Mathematica^® 4.0.

This collection of solved problems gives students experience in applying theory (Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms for discrete and continuous systems, Hamilton-Jacobi method, variational calculus, theory of stability, and more) to problems in classical physics. The authors develop some theoretical subjects, so that students can follow solutions to the problems without appealing to other reference sources. This has been done for both discrete and continuous physical systems or, in analytical terms, systems with finite and infinite degrees of freedom. The authors also highlight the basics of vector algebra and vector analysis, in Appendix B. They thoroughly develop and discuss notions like gradient, divergence, curl, and tensor, together with their physical applications.

There are many excellent textbooks dedicated to applied analytical mechanics for both students and their instructors, but this one takes an unusual approach, with a thorough analysis of solutions to the problems and an appropriate choice of applications in various branches of physics. It lays out the similarities and differences between various analytical approaches, and their specific efficiency.