Introduction to Mechanics of Particles and Systems

by Costas J. Papachristou

Overview

This book is based on the author’s lecture notes for his Introductory Newtonian Mechanics course at the Hellenic Naval Academy. In order to familiarize students with the use of several basic mathematical tools, such as vectors, differential operators and differential equations, it first presents the elements of vector analysis that are needed in the subsequent chapters. Further, the Mathematical Supplement at the end of the book offers a brief introduction to the concepts of differential calculus mentioned.

The main text is divided into three parts, the first of which presents the mechanics of a single particle from both the kinetic and the dynamical perspectives. The second part then focuses on the mechanics of more complex structures, such as systems of particles, rigid bodies and ideal fluids, while the third part consists of 60 fully solved problems.

Though chiefly intended as a primary text for freshman-level physics courses, the book can also be used as a supplemental (tutorial) resource for introductory courses on classical mechanics for physicists and engineers

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030542733
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	09/11/2021
Edition description:	1st ed. 2020
Pages:	269
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. Costas J. Papachristou is a senior faculty member at the Hellenic Naval Academy (The Naval Academy of Greece). He received a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from Brigham Young University, USA, and spent another year at BYU as a research faculty in Physics. At the HNA, he teaches freshman- and sophomore-level Physics. His research interests are mainly in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (in particular, symmetry and integrability properties of classical field equations, classical electromagnetism) but he is also active in Physics Education. He is an amateur musician and a columnist for Greek newspapers and magazines.

Table of Contents

Vectors.- Kinematics.- Dynamics of a particle.- Work and Energy.- Oscillations.- Systems of particles.- Rigid-body motion.- elementary fluid mechanics.- Appendices.