Classical Mechanics

Catalog description

This course includes a full treatment of Lagrange's equations with application to systems of particles, motion under central forces, and nonlinear systems. Variational principles are discussed and Hamilton's theory developed, including Hamilton's equations, canonical transformations and invariants, symmetries and conservation laws. Linear response will be presented as will chaotic systems. Emphasis will be placed on relevant mathematical methods including appropriate topics in linear algebra, complex analysis, Fourier transforms and Green's functions. 3 hrs. lecture. Typical Text: Landau, Classical Mechanics. Prerequisite: 33-331