Analytical mechanics for dummies ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a student entering their second-year analytical mechanics course, particularly due to a lack of understanding of Lagrangian mechanics. Recommended texts include Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics," Landau's "Mechanics," and a Cambridge University Press text, with the latter being questioned for its accessibility. The student is also acquiring Boas' "Mathematical Methods" to aid in understanding calculus of variations, which is essential for topics like Lagrange multipliers and rigid body dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics, specifically equations of motion in 3D
  • Familiarity with calculus of variations
  • Basic knowledge of rigid body kinetics and dynamics
  • Concepts of small oscillations and canonical equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics" for a comprehensive understanding of analytical mechanics
  • Review Landau's "Mechanics" for alternative explanations of core concepts
  • Investigate Cambridge University Press' analytical mechanics text for suitability
  • Study Boas' "Mathematical Methods" to strengthen calculus of variations knowledge
USEFUL FOR

Students entering analytical mechanics courses, educators seeking teaching resources, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of Lagrangian mechanics and related mathematical methods.

Lavabug
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Analytical mechanics "for dummies"?

I'm starting my 2nd year course in analytical mechanics tomorrow and am quite worried that I'll get thrown off very early on, as I didn't fully grasp all of the concepts in lagrangian mechanics in my previous mechanics course (only studied up to lagrangian equations of motion for systems in 3D, along with waves, fluid dynamics/statics and SR).

The recommended texts for the course are Goldstein's (tried it before in my first mech course and it went way over my head) and Landau's (I heard its along the same vein). Cambridge Press' text is also a recommended text, is it any good?

I have Boas' math methods book on the way which I think should help me filling in my gap: calculus of variations, but is there another easier to digest book on analytical mechanics? The topics covered will be lagrange multipliers, rigid body kinetics, rigid body dynamics, small oscillations and canonical equations.
 
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Lavabug said:
Cambridge Press' text is also a recommended text, is it any good?
Of course it's good otherwise it would not have been published by Cambridge University Press. You should be asking "Is it good for me?" Only you can answer that question. Find a copy, browse through and figure out if you are compatible with it.
 

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