Continuum mechanics vs Classical mechanics are they the same?

[Eng_physicist]

Will taking a course is continuum mechanics give me the same background as in classical mechanics or would I need to take both separately? Can anyone explain the difference if there is one between classical mechanic vs continuum mechanics in simple nontechnical terms.

 

[romsofia]

Continuum mechanics is math course and classical mechanics is a physics course. So, yes there is a difference, you should probably take classical mechanics before continuum mechanics (it is a graduate level math course at my local university).

 

[Andy Resnick]

Will taking a course is continuum mechanics give me the same background as in classical mechanics or would I need to take both separately? Can anyone explain the difference if there is one between classical mechanic vs continuum mechanics in simple nontechnical terms.

Continuum mechanics is a field theory, while classical mechanics is a theory of mass-points.

 

[cmos]

To elaborate on what Andy is saying, what you spend most of your time doing in courses called "classical mechanics" is to analyze the dynamics of particles or bodies that act like particles (e.g. relative distances between the planets and the sun vs. their diameters makes the analysis particle-like, and similar for the trajectory of an ICBM over a rotating Earth). Some/most physics books (both at the grad and undergrad levels) on classical mechanics will give some sort of (limited) introduction to continuum mechanics though.

So continuum mechanics is the mechanics of "real" objects that have spatial extent. Think of placing a bunch of heavy physics textbooks on a wood bookshelf. Over time, that specific shelf will start to sag; can you calculate how so? Not with particle dynamics!

The first sentence of Post #2 is actually a bit misleading, although sometimes correct. The majority of "mechanics" that a mechanical engineer does is actually continuum mechanics (fluids, deformations of solids, etc.). Furthermore, plasma physics (MHD specifically) is essentially continuum mechanics!

This http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuum_mechanics#Major_areas_of_continuum_mechanics" actually gives a good synopsis.

 

[Matrix0]

Continuum mechanics and classical mechanics are two distinct branches of physics that have some similarities but also significant differences. While both deal with the study of motion and the behavior of physical systems, they have different approaches and applications.

Classical mechanics is a well-established field that describes the motion of macroscopic objects, such as planets, cars, and projectiles. It is based on Newton's laws of motion and can accurately predict the behavior of objects under the influence of forces. Classical mechanics is also the foundation for many engineering and technological applications, such as building bridges and designing airplanes.

On the other hand, continuum mechanics is a more advanced field that deals with the behavior of continuous matter, such as fluids and solids. It takes into account the small-scale interactions between particles and how they affect the overall behavior of the material. This approach is necessary to understand and analyze complex systems, such as fluid flow in pipes or the behavior of materials under stress.

While there are some similarities between the two fields, continuum mechanics goes beyond classical mechanics by considering the microscopic details of a system. This allows for a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the behavior of materials and fluids.

Taking a course in continuum mechanics will provide you with a more in-depth understanding of the behavior of continuous matter, while a course in classical mechanics will focus on the motion of macroscopic objects. So, while there may be some overlap in concepts and principles, it is beneficial to take both courses separately to gain a complete understanding of these two important fields of physics.

In simple terms, classical mechanics deals with the motion of large objects, while continuum mechanics deals with the behavior of matter at a smaller scale, taking into account microscopic interactions. Both are important in understanding and predicting the behavior of physical systems, but they have different approaches and applications.