Dynamics of Particles and Rigid Bodies: A Systematic Approach

by Anil Rao

Overview

Dynamics of Particles and Rigid Bodies: A Systematic Approach is intended for undergraduate courses in dynamics. This work is a unique blend of conceptual, theoretical, and practical aspects of dynamics generally not found in dynamics books at the undergraduate level. In particular, in this book the concepts are developed in a highly rigorous manner and are applied to examples using a step-by-step approach that is completely consistent with the theory. In addition, for clarity, the notation used to develop the theory is identical to that used to solve example problems. The result of this approach is that a student is able to see clearly the connection between the theory and the application of theory to example problems. While the material is not new, instructors and their students will appreciate the highly pedagogical approach that aids in the mastery and retention of concepts. The approach used in this book teaches a student to develop a systematic approach to problem-solving. The work is supported by a great range of examples and reinforced by numerous problems for student solution. An Instructor's Solutions Manual is available.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521187909
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/14/2011
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	528
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Anil V. Rao earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering and A.B. in mathematics from Cornell University, his M.S.E. in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University. After earning his Ph.D., Dr Rao joined The Aerospace Corporation in Los Angeles, California, where he was involved in mission support for U.S. Air Force launch vehicle programs and trajectory optimization software development. Subsequently, Dr Rao joined The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., in Cambridge, Massachusetts where he has been involved in numerous projects related to trajectory optimization, guidance, and navigation of aerospace vehicles. Concurrently, for the past several years Dr Rao has been an Adjunct Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at Boston University where he has taught the core undergraduate engineering dynamics course. Since joining BU, Dr Rao has been voted AIAA/ASME Faculty Member of the Year Award by the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department and has been voted Boston University College of Engineering Professor of the Year for outstanding teaching.

Table of Contents

1. Introductory concepts; 2. Kinematics; 3. Kinetics of particles; 4. Kinetics of a system of particles; 5. Kinetics of rigid bodies; A. Principal-axis moments of inertia of homogeneous bodies; B. Identities, derivatives, integrals and gradient; C. Answers to selected problems; Bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

“The book leads students from first principles through problem solving. It includes lots of detailed solutions to example problems, a wide range of possible homework problems, and beautiful figures and diagrams. The prose flows smoothly and is written with clarity.”
Choice

"All examples are worked in detail, are tied in well with the text, and are accompanied by excellent illustrations. These examples are a great aid to learning the material and will leave the student in good shape for solving the complex problems that will come up in the 'real world'."
Mark D. Ardema, Santa Clara University, SIAM Review

From the Publisher