Introduction to Mechanics English 2008

Introduction to Mechanics offers a modern introduction to Newtonian dynamics and the basics of special relativity. Along with a discussion of standard topics—Newton's laws of motion, energy, linear and angular momentum, rigid body dynamics, oscillations—modern topics like symmetries, phase space, nonlinear dynamics and chaos have also been introduced. Newton's equation of motion is presented as a differential equation—this brings out key issues like phase space and determinism in mechanical systems and helps introduce modern research topics like chaos theory in a natural way. Key assumptions of Newtonian mechanics have been highlighted and numerical solutions of many mechanical systems using Matlab have been incorporated. Good exercises are needed to comprehend scientific theories and perceive their ramifications and assumptions from various angles. Students are urged to work out the exercises and projects given at the end of each chapter so as to obtain a through understanding of the subject.