MAU23401 Advanced classical mechanics I
| Module Code | MAU23401 |
|---|---|
| Module Title | Advanced classical mechanics I |
| Semester taught | Semester 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Module Lecturer | Prof. Chaolun Wu |
| Module Prerequisites | MAU11400 Mechanics |
Assessment Details
- This module is examined in a 2-hour examination at the end of Semester 1.
- Continuous assessment contributes 35% towards the overall mark.
- Any failed components are reassessed, if necessary, by an exam in the reassessment session.
Contact Hours
11 weeks of teaching with 3 lectures and 1 tutorial per week.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Lagrangian mechanics including a familiarity with Lagrangians describing various important mechanic systems.
- Derive the equations of motion of a mechanical system with several degrees of freedom from its Lagrangian using Hamilton's principle.
- Use Noether's theorem to derive conservation laws.
- Analyse qualitatively and quantitatively the motion of one-dimensional systems and the motion in a central force field.
- Analyse small free oscillations, forced oscillations and damped oscillations of a system with any number of degrees of freedom, as well as compute its characteristic frequencies and normal coordinates.
- Use Euler angles and Euler equations to analyse the motion of a rigid body.
Module Content
- Lagrangian, Hamilton's principle, Lagrange's equations, constrained dynamics.
- Conservation laws and Noether's theorem.
- Motion in one dimension and central potential.
- Oscillations: equilibrium and motion near equilibrium.
- Rigid body motion, Euler equations.
Recommended Reading
- Classical mechanics by Herbert Goldstein.
- Mechanics by Landau and Lifshitz.