Suggestions for papers to read in Classical Mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around suggestions for classic and essential papers to read in Classical Mechanics, with an interest in expanding knowledge after completing a semester of study. Participants also express interest in related topics such as statistical mechanics and the physics of bicycle motion and martial arts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for classic papers in Classical Mechanics and expresses confusion about where to start.
  • Another participant mentions a thesis on frisbee flight that includes aerodynamics and biomechanics, providing a link to the work.
  • Several participants inquire about the textbook used in the course and the extent of material covered, suggesting that recommendations depend on prior knowledge.
  • A participant shares their experience with Goldstein's Classical Mechanics and mentions VI Arnold's Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics as a valuable resource.
  • Discussion includes the complexity of bicycle motion and references to Prof David E Jones's work on bike stability and perpetual motion machines, along with links to further reading.
  • Another participant expresses interest in the physics of martial arts and mentions plans to explore this topic further.
  • One participant notes the challenges of modeling biomechanical optimization in martial arts and mentions YouTube channels that discuss martial arts and science, though they caution that these may prioritize entertainment over scientific rigor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share an interest in expanding their understanding of Classical Mechanics and related fields, but there is no consensus on specific papers or topics to pursue, as suggestions vary widely.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not specified the exact content covered in their courses, leading to varying suggestions based on individual experiences and interpretations of Classical Mechanics.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and enthusiasts of Classical Mechanics, those interested in the physics of everyday phenomena like bicycles and martial arts, and individuals looking for academic resources in these areas.

RisingChariot
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Greeting, I wanted some suggestion regarding classic and essential papers to read in Classical Mechanics. The first semester is over, and I want to expand upon what I have learnt. If there is some paper or topic in particular that you found interesting personally early on, it would be helpful. I am sort of confused about where to start. Suggestions in statistical mechanics are also appreciated. Thank you.
 
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Thank you. :smile:
 
RisingChariot said:
The first semester is over, and I want to expand upon what I have learnt.
What textbook did you use for classical mechanics? How much of the text was covered in your course? Suggestions for follow on study would depend upon what you have learned to date.
 
gmax137 said:
What textbook did you use for classical mechanics? How much of the text was covered in your course? Suggestions for follow on study would depend upon what you have learned to date.

We used Goldstein's Classical Mechanics 3rd ed., covering material up to Classical Chaos. Our teacher also encouraged us to give VI Arnold's Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics a try to get familiar with the concept of manifolds. I have been going through that for a while now. Thank you.
 
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RisingChariot said:
The first semester is over
RisingChariot said:
We used Goldstein's Classical Mechanics 3rd ed.
First semester of graduate school? When I first saw your first post, I wondered whether you meant first semester of undergraduate intro physics (e.g. Halliday/Resnick) or first semester of an intermediate undergraduate course (e.g. Marion or Symon).
 
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Oh yeah, I should have made it more clear.
 
Another challenging area would be bicycle motion. It’s amazing that such a common mode of transportation reveals so much complex physics that is still not well understood.

Prof David E Jones aka Daedalus was a prolific inventor of devices to challenge the mind of physicists. He created novel bike designs to explore bike stability and mysterious pseudo perpetual motion machines to challenge other physicists.

http://www.phys.lsu.edu/faculty/gonzalez/Teaching/Phys7221/vol59no9p51_56.pdf

others since Prof Jones have continued to search for new understanding on how bikes work:

https://www.real-world-physics-problems.com/bicycle-physics.html

https://www.nature.com/news/the-bicycle-problem-that-nearly-broke-mathematics-1.20281
 
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jedishrfu said:
Another challenging area would be bicycle motion. It’s amazing that such a common mode of transportation reveals so much complex physics that is still not well understood.

Prof David E Jones aka Daedalus was a prolific inventor of devices to challenge the mind of physicists. He created novel bike designs to explore bike stability and mysterious pseudo perpetual motion machines to challenge other physicists.

Wow, that's interesting. I rarely gave much thought to that. I will definitely look into it, thank you.

Also, I recently joined the Karate club in our institute. So, I will be reading up on physics involved in martial arts as well in the near future. Anyway, thanks again.
 
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Yes, martial art physics is quite cool too. Biomechanical optimization can be very difficult to model well.

There are some channels on YouTube about martial arts and science although i remember they are Heavy on entertainment and light on the science.
 
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