MA222-5-SP-CO:
Analytical Mechanics
2024/25
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
22 May 2024
Requisites for this module
MA101 and MA105 and MA114
(none)
MA202 and MA210
(none)
MA225
BSC G1F3 Mathematics with Physics,
BSC G1F4 Mathematics with Physics (Including Placement Year),
BSC G1F5 Mathematics with Physics (Including Foundation Year),
BSC GCF3 Mathematics with Physics (Including Year Abroad)
This module introduces general concepts and methods for the description and analysis of the motion and dynamics of particles, systems of particles, rigid bodies, and fields.
Assuming a basic knowledge of Newtonian mechanics, students will develop advanced techniques necessary to study more complicated, multi-particle systems and rigid bodies. The central part of the module is the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of Classical Mechanics, which allow for simplified treatments of many interesting problems and provide the foundation for the modern understanding of dynamics.
The aims of this module are:
- To introduce students to the analytical foundations of Classical mechanics (Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics).
- To introduce students to small oscillations and their stability.
- To introduce students to symmetries and conserved quantities.
- To introduce students to the kinematics of rigid bodies.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Newtonian mechanics.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Lagrangian formalism of classical mechanics.
- Identify and solve the Lagrangian equations associated with simple problems.
- Demonstrate understanding of the concept of symmetries and conserved quantities, identify and make use of them.
- Demonstrate ability to use a range of established techniques and a commensurate level of skills in solving problems relating to dynamics of particles and rigid bodies.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Hamiltonian formalism of classical mechanics.
- Identify and compute Hamilton’s equations of motion associated with simple problems, compute Poisson brackets and work with canonical transformations.
Indicative Syllabus
Newton's laws of motion (single particles and systems of many particles).
- Kinematics and dynamics of particles and systems of particles; review of Newton's laws of motion; angular momentum; conservation laws; energy; momentum; examples.
The Lagrangian formalism
- The principle of least action; changing coordinate systems; constraints and generalised coordinates; Noether's theorem and symmetries; examples.
Small oscillations and stability
- Simple harmonic oscillations; stability; double pendulum.
The motion of rigid bodies
- Kinematics; inertia tensor; Euler's equations; free tops; Euler's angles; examples.
Hamiltonian formalism
- Hamilton's equations; the Legendre transform; conservation laws; Liouville's theorem; Poincaré's recurrence theorem; Poisson brackets; canonical transformations; examples.
Teaching in the School will be delivered using a range of face-to-face lectures, classes, and lab sessions as appropriate for each module. Modules may also include online only sessions where it is advantageous, for example for pedagogical reasons, to do so.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Test |
|
|
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Nikolaos Fytas, email: nikolaos.fytas@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Nikolaos Fytas
maths@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
Yes
Prof Stephen Langdon
Brunel University London
Professor
Available via Moodle
Of 35 hours, 31 (88.6%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
2 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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