Classical Dynamics: A Contemporary Approach / Edition 1

by Jorge V. José, Eugene J. Saletan

Overview

Recent advances in the study of dynamical systems have revolutionized the way that classical mechanics is taught and understood. This new and comprehensive textbook provides a complete description of this fundamental branch of physics. The authors cover all the material that one would expect to find in a standard graduate course: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, canonical transformations, the Hamilton-Jacobi equation, perturbation methods, and rigid bodies. They also deal with more advanced topics such as the relativistic Kepler problem, Liouville and Darboux theorems, and inverse and chaotic scattering. A key feature of the book is the early introduction of geometric (differential manifold) ideas, as well as detailed treatment of topics in nonlinear dynamics (such as the KAM theorem) and continuum dynamics (including solitons). Over 200 homework exercises are included. It will be an ideal textbook for graduate students of physics, applied mathematics, theoretical chemistry, and engineering, as well as a useful reference for researchers in these fields. A solutions manual is available exclusively for instructors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521636360
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/13/1998
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	698
Product dimensions:	7.01(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.38(d)

Table of Contents

1. Fundamentals of mechanics; 2. Lagrangian formulation of mechanics; 3. Topics in Lagrangian dynamics; 4. Scattering and linear oscillations; 5. Hamiltonian formulation of mechanics; 6. Topics in Hamiltonian dynamics; 7. Nonlinear dynamics; 8. Virigid bodies; 9. Continuum dynamics.

Editorial Reviews

"...strikes the right balance between physical reasoning and mathematical sophistication, at the same time as it takes the reader to the forefront of active research in the field...can be used as a textbook and as a reference on newer topics in mechanics....The book is nicely typeset and printed on an ivory-colored, heavy-textured paper that is pleasant to the sight and touch, and the illustrations are very good...I highly recommend this book to instructors and students alike." Physics Today

"...well written...would serve as an excellent resource for students and faculty alike who wish to learn many of the most important aspects of the mathematical physics behind the renaissance of classical mechanics." American Journal of Physics

"Two hundred homework problems amplify the content and usefulness of the book...Classical Dynamics is excellent for extending one's horizon into nonlinear dynamics, progressing from a very pratical discussion of geographical mpast into discrete maps, He'non maps, the twist map, and the Devil's staircase. Indeed, the strength of the text, the emphasis upon 'the language of modern differential geometry,' shows clearly in these areas." Applied Mechanical Review

From the Publisher