Classical Mechanics

By H.C. Corben, Philip Stehle, H.C. Corben and Philip Stehle

Book Overview

Classical mechanics is the study of the motion of particles and rigid bodies under the influence of given forces. It applies to the enormous range of motions between the atomic scale, where quantum effects dominate, and the cosmological scale, where general relativity provides the framework. Coupled with classical electromagnetic theory it provides the basis for sophisticated technologies such as plasma physics, accelerator design, space technology, and more. In this edition, the authors have included the fundamental subjects of Lagrangian mechanics, Hamiltonian mechanics, rigid-body motion, action-angle variables, perturbation theory, and motion with speeds approaching that of light, showing how these theories can be applied to a variety of problems. They treat central motion, the motion of planets and satellites, in detail. They also develop the theory of small vibrations governing resonant systems of all kinds, analyze the motion of particles in high energy accelerators and describe the motion of spinning systems, important for space technology. Nonstandard topics like the Navier-Stokes equation and the inverted pendulum are included. A number of exercises are provided and most chapters contain references to relevant books and other literature.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486680630
• ISBN13: 9780486680637
• Release Date: August 1994
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A very nice classic book.

I just bought this wonderful book recently for my recent theoretical mechanics course and I must say its a jewel. Although its not in the same level as Goldstein's classical text book (a long and very precise description of classical mechanics), Corben's book examines with Dover-like detail the basic concepts surrounding the laws basic physics (everything, from Lagrange's equations to rigid body systems). Packed with useful examples (most of them textbook like motions in a central force field), Corben's "Classical Mechanics" is a great reference in any intermediate course.

Review of Classical Mechanics by Corben and Stehle

Although there have been several excellent intermediate and graduate textbooks on classical mechanics written during the last few decades, this book, which is pitched at the advanced undergraduate/beginning graduate level, is one of the best. The writing throughout is mathematically lucid, and the problems, though not large in number, are stimulating. While the important topics of advanced theoretical mechanices are not shorted, several interesting related subjects in general physics and theoretical engineering are concisely treated.