Analytical mechanics for dummies ?

AI Thread Summary
Concerns about grasping analytical mechanics concepts are common among students, particularly when transitioning from lagrangian mechanics. Recommended texts include Goldstein and Landau, which may be challenging for some. Cambridge Press' text is also suggested, but its suitability depends on individual learning styles. The importance of supplementary resources, like Boas' math methods book, is emphasized to address gaps in understanding. Ultimately, finding the right text that resonates with personal learning preferences is crucial for success in the course.
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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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