Need a new classical mechanics book

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for advanced classical mechanics textbooks following the completion of Fowles/Cassiday "Analytical Mechanics." Participants explore various directions in which one might further their study, including mathematical approaches and applied mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests looking for recommendations after completing Fowles/Cassiday, indicating a desire to continue learning in classical mechanics.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the choice of book depends on the specific interests of the reader, mentioning Goldstein and Greenwood as common recommendations.
  • Variational methods are highlighted as a potential area of focus, with suggestions for books by Lanczos and others on mechanical and electromechanical systems.
  • Several participants mention specific texts for those interested in the mathematical aspects of classical mechanics, including works by Marsden/Ratiu, Arnold, and José/Saletan.
  • Greenwood's book is reiterated as a strong recommendation by multiple participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the choice of textbook should align with the reader's specific interests, but there are multiple competing views on which texts are most suitable for further study.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying preferences for different aspects of classical mechanics, indicating that the discussion is influenced by personal academic goals and areas of specialization.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in advancing their knowledge in classical mechanics, particularly those looking for textbook recommendations after foundational studies.

snatchingthepi
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I've finished my institution's sequence on classical mechanics and am wanting to keep reading the subject. Does anyone have a standard suggestion after Fowles/Cassiday "Analytical Mechanics"? We covered almost the entire book except for the very last chapter and a few sections on oscillations (non-sinusoidal driving forces mostly) and celestial mechanics (three-body problem mostly).

As I understand it, most would probably say Goldstein's book, and am just looking for general suggestions.
 
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It depends a lot on which direction you want to go. Goldstein is always recommended, and there is a good book by Greenwood.

If you want more on variational methods, look at Lanczos, or in more applied direction, Crandall, Karnopp, Kurtz, and Pridmore-Brown have a nice book on mechanical and electromechanical systems by variational methods. Langhaar also has an interesting book on variational methods.

Again, it all depends on which way you want to go. You will probably have to specialize a bit to go further.
 
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I agree with OldEngr63, it depends a lot on what you want to learn. If you are interested on the mathematical side of classical mechanics, you can try

-Marsden/Ratiu. Introduction to Mechanics and Symmetry . https://www.amazon.com/dp/038798643X/?tag=pfamazon01-20.
-Arnold. Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387968903/?tag=pfamazon01-20
-José/Saletan. Classical Dynamics: A contemporary approach. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521636361/?tag=pfamazon01-20

also, the book by Spivak is nice https://www.amazon.com/dp/0914098322/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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OldEngr63 said:
Goldstein is always recommended, and there is a good book by Greenwood.

.

I second for Greenwood's, it is a very good text.
 
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