Classical Dynamics: A Contemporary Approach - Softcover

José, Jorge V.; Saletan, Eugene J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521636361 ISBN 13: 9780521636360

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1998

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Book Description

Classical Dynamics: A Contemporary Approach covers all the material one would expect to find in a standard graduate course. It also deals with more advanced topics such as the relativistic Kepler problem, Liouville and Darboux theorems, and inverse and chaotic scattering. The book features an 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). Containing many worked examples and over 200 homework exercises, 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.

Review

"...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

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521636361
• ISBN 13: 9780521636360
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 698