Publisher Description

This text offers a clear and refreshing exposition of the dynamics of mechanical systems from an engineering perspective. Basic concepts are thoroughly covered, then applied in a systematic manner to solve problems in mechanical systems that have recognisable applications to engineering practice. All theoretical discussions are accompanied by numerous illustrative examples, and each chapter offers a wealth of homework problems. The treatment of the kinematics of particles and rigid bodies is extensive. In this new edition, the author has revised and reorganized sections to enhance understanding of physical principles, and he has modified and added examples, as well as homework problems. The new edition also contains a thorough development of computational methods for solving the differential equations of motion for constrained systems.

Author Biography

Georgia Institute of Technology.

Table of Contents

1. Basic considerations; 2. Introduction; 3. Newton's Laws; 4. Systems of Units; 5. Vector Calculus; 6. Energy and Momentum; 7. Brief Biographical Perspective; 8. Particle Kinematics; 9. Path Variables-Intrinsic Coordinates; 10. Rectangular Cartesian Coordinates; 11. Orthogonal Curvilinear Coordinates; 12. Joint Kinematical Descriptions; 13. Relative Motion; 14. Rotation Transformations; 15. Finite Rotations; 16. Angular Velocity and Derivatives of Rotating Vectors; 17. Angular Acceleration; 18. Derivative of an Arbitrary Factor; 19. Velocity and Acceleration Using a Moving Reference Frame; 20. Observations from a Moving Reference System; 21. Kinematics of Rigid Bodies; 22. General Equations; 23. Eulerian Angles; 24. Interconnections; 25. Rolling; 26. Newtonian Kinetics of a Rigid Body; 27. Fundamental Principles; 28. Evaluations of Angular Momentum and Inertia Properties; 29. Rate of Change of Angular Momentum; 30. Equations of Motion; 31. Planar Motion; 32. Impulse-Momentum and Work-Energy Principles; 33. System of Rigid Bodies; 34. Introduction of Analytical Mechanics; 35. Generalized Coordinates and Degrees of Freedom; 36. Constraints - Holonomic and Nonholonomic; 37. Virtual Displacements; 38. Generalized Forces; 39. Hamilton's Principle; 40. Lagrange's Equations. 41. Further Concepts in Analytical Mechanics; 42. Constrained Generalized Coordinates; 43. Computational Methods in the State-Space; 44. Hamiltonian Mechanics and Further Conservation Principles; 45. Gibbs-Appell Equations for Quasi-Coordinates; 46. Gyroscopic Effects; 47. Free Motion; 48. Spinning Top; 49. Gyroscopes for Inertial Guidance; Appendix; Answers to even-numbered problems; Index.

Review

"It is clear that a student who masters all the material in this book will have a very good basis for doing research on a wide range of subjects...a good reference book for libraries and students of mechanics..." Applied Mechanics Reviews "Especially notable is the development of rotation transformations for describing the position and orientation of rigid bodies in spatial motion." Mechanical Engineering

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A clear exposition of the dynamics of mechanical systems from an engineering perspective.

Review Quote

"It is clear that a student who masters all the material in this book will have a very good basis for doing research on a wide range of subjects...a good reference book for libraries and students of mechanics..." Applied Mechanics Reviews

Promotional "Headline"

A clear exposition of the dynamics of mechanical systems from an engineering perspective.

Description for Bookstore

A clear exposition of the dynamics of mechanical systems from an engineering perspective. This new edition includes revised sections to enhance understanding, added examples and homework problems and a thorough development of computational methods for solving the differential equations of motion for constrained systems.

Description for Library

A clear exposition of the dynamics of mechanical systems from an engineering perspective. This new edition includes revised sections to enhance understanding, added examples and homework problems and a thorough development of computational methods for solving the differential equations of motion for constrained systems.

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