Classical mechanics with Mathematica. (Q424643): Difference between revisions

The author presents a high-level textbook based mainly on differential geometry methods; at the same time, he tries to follow a historical process that leads to an easier understanding of the development of mechanics. The first part of the book (introduction to linear algebra and differential geometry) contains 10 chapters, namely:1. Vector spaces and linear maps; 2. Tensor algebra; 3. Skew-symmetric tensors and exterior algebra; 4. Euclidean and symplectic vector spaces; 5. Duality and euclidean tensors; 6. Differentiable manifolds; 7. One-pParameter groups of diffeomorphisms; 8. Exterior derivative and integration; 9. Absolute differential calculus; 10. An overview of dynamical systems, which put the basis of a modern mathematical background. The second part (mechanics) contains 14 chapters, namely: 11. Kinematics of a point particle; 12. Kinematics of rigid bodies; 13. Principles of dynamics; 14. Dynamics of a material point; 15. General principles of rigid body dynamics; 16. Dynamics of a rigid body; 17. Lagrangian dynamics; 18. Hamiltonian dynamics; 19. Hamilton-Jacobi theory; 20. Completely integrable systems; 21. Elements of statistical mechanics of equilibrium; 22. Impulsive dynamics; 23. Introduction to fluid dynamics; 24. An introduction to special relativity. The book is written in a very clear and systematic manner; each chapter is followed by many exercises, for some of which useful hints are given. The possibility to use \texttt{Mathematica} is also emphasized. The volume represents a real contribution to the field, being useful not only to students but to all readers who wish to have a correct and well-written information, too.