Classical Dynamics (Dover Books on Physics) [Paperback]

Donald T. Greenwood (Author), Physics (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0486696901 | ISBN-13: 978-0486696904 | Publication Date: July 7, 1997 | Edition: New edition

Graduate-level text for science and technology students provides strong background in the more abstract and intellectually satisfying areas of dynamical theory. Topics include d'Alembert's principle and the idea of virtual work, Hamilton's equations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, canonical transformations, more. Problems and references at chapter ends. 1977 edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; New edition edition (July 7, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486696901
• ISBN-13: 978-0486696904
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #191,831 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars sometimes difficult to read, but the problems are excellent, November 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Classical Dynamics (Dover Books on Physics) (Paperback)

This book can be compared with Walter Rudin's Principles of Mathematical Analysis in that it is very terse and the reader must sit with pencil and paper to fill in many details, both in the theory and example problems. It is the case that this process actively engages the reader into the subject and permits a deeper, fuller understanding than just reading the results and final equations. Having less detail in the theory is understandable, but I've found that the example problems are equally as difficult to follow; this makes it increasingly tough to solve his problems (though once I solve a problem, I feel a great sense of accomplishment) On problems: the problems are very well thought out and complement the theoretical section of the text quite well.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars From my experience with the book, July 24, 2000

By 

Graduate instructor (Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classical Dynamics (Dover Books on Physics) (Paperback)

Chronologically, "Classical Dynamics" was Donald Greewood's second major publication on Analytical Dynamics, covering more advanced topics than the ones in "Principles of Dynamics," whose first edition preceded "Classical Dynamics" by some 12 years.

"Classical Dynamics" is a somewhat more readable text, but just like its companion book, it fails to address issues like how one can use Lagrange's equations (or Hamilton's, for that matter) to correctly account for the effects of nonlinear dissipative forces. Also, its treatment of velocity-dependent potentials could be substantially extended, as could the chapter on Relativity.

On the other hand, the chapters on variational principles, the Pprinciple of Least Action, Hamilton's mechanics, and, above all, canonical transformations are an absolute "must-read"!

An updated, extended second edition would be most welcome now.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Supporting Book, September 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Classical Dynamics (Dover Books on Physics) (Paperback)

This book is an excellent read, and it explains concepts with unusual clarity. I wouldn't suggest it as a main text, but it is an excellent supplement to others, such as Goldstein or Jose and Saletan. I found this little book explained many concepts far better than these "standards" that are used in most graduate mechanics courses. It includes many nice examples. It also includes the answers to the problems in the back. How often do you see that in a graduate level book? I also think it is an excellent read for physics graduate students, who are just trying to get through the comprehensive exam rather than master the details of classical mechanics.