Analytical Mechanics: An Introduction

d.zanellato

Hello.

Someone knows the book: "Analytical Mechanics: An Introduction" by Antonio Fasano, S. Marmi?
Is this a good book on mechanics?



Thank you.

Ed Aboud

Bump

Any recommendations for a text which provides an introduction to Lagrangian mechanics and continues on to Hamiltonian mechanics?

d.zanellato

The classical reference is "Classical Mechanics" by Herbert Goldstein.
In my course on Analytical Mechanics, here in Brazil, I used "Mecânica Analítica" by Nivaldo Lemos. It is very similar to Goldstein's book.

For a more geometric approach: "Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics", by V. I. Arnold or, for a more smooth transition, "Classical Dynamics: A Contemporary Approach" by José & Saletan.


Arnold's book will be my next fun :)

Llewlyn

The Fasano-Marmi was my textbook during undergraduate studies -- I covered almost the whole book in two courses. To me it definitely doesn't seem a book for rookies: the part on hamiltonian dynamic is rather abstract though I enjoyed much the exposition. I eventually recommend for a course in basic mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian. Avoid the chapter on continuous mechanic and ergodic theory -- the book wants to cover lots of different topics though only fundamental theories are exhaustive and well-made. If you are Italian, you might want to take a look to "Meccanica" by Gallavotti too.

Ll.