Principles of Dynamics (2nd Edition) [Paperback]

Donald T. Greenwood (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0137099819 | ISBN-13: 978-0137099818 | Publication Date: July 23, 1987 | Edition: 2

An exploration of the principles of dynamics.* introduces generalized forms of dAlemberts principles and applies them to systems of rigid bodies. * applies pertubation theory to the analysis of vibrations. * makes extensive use of the Lagrangian method of formulating the equations of motion.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An exploration of the principles of dynamics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 2 edition (July 23, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0137099819
• ISBN-13: 978-0137099818
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #427,492 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not for the faint at heart, July 24, 2000

By 

Graduate instructor (Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Dynamics (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

Don Greenwood's "Principles of Dynamics" is definitely NOT one for the faint at heart. Reason why many frustrated readers/students balk so much at it, bash it so furiously.

What most readers -- especially students -- fail to realize is that the book, despite being in its second edition, retains a lot of the flavor of the first edition, written in the mid-sixties, using a language and references that most present-day computer-minded students really aren't prepared to appreciate...

Actually, even -- especially -- from the conceptual standpoint, it is a very difficult book to read. Greenwood's long "text-only" expounding of many topics throughout the book are hard to follow. One really requires some getting used to it. As a matter of fact, the extensive derivations -- which naive students complain so fiercely about -- are indispensable, since, without those, one can have little hope of grasping the full content of the discussions.

Unfortunately, regardless of its problem-solving approach, the book doesn't quite tell the reader "the whole story"... For instance, it does not teach how to address nonlinear dissipative effects via the Lagrange-equation formalism.

Nevertheless, the author's assumption (see the Preface) that "students using this text will have the academic maturity of first-year graduate students or of well-prepared undergraduate seniors" is a little too optimistic, at best. The book is written at a level which requires a great deal of abstract reasoning, which is by no means a characteristic of today's students, who are far more into computer stuff than into reasoning. Some previous, solid academic experience is needed before one can start to benefit from the book in all earnest.

Having taken several of Prof. Greenwood's courses, I still remember RATHER VIVIDLY how sore my first experience with the book was!... By and large, however, today, I must say, through being so precise, so accurately and scholarly written, it is proving one very valuable asset.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars you need to know the advanced..before reading principles...., November 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Principles of Dynamics (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

This is not the book that you search for if this is your first course in dynamics or even your first graduate course! . It was my text book in a dynamics grauate course, and I really found a hard time understanding the topics. I used to read other books searching for the idea of the topic and I really found it easier in other books.In my opinion,the only advantage of this book that it has wide range of problems (actually..most of them are very tough)which is suitable to study for a Ph.D exam!. HERE IS MY RECOMMENDATION....There is a new graduate level book called ANALYTICAL DYNAMICS by H. Baruh. I found Baruh's book the best and the most amazing book ever been & will be, in the history of dynamics! every single topic related to the world of dynamics has been introduced easily with very useful example(s). it also includes detailed advanced subjects with nice illustrations and examples...Do yourself a favor and go to Baruh's book..you will never forget my advice.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Lacks pertinent examples and takes a cookbook approach, March 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Principles of Dynamics (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

This text is targeted for a senior level undergraduate or first year graduate course in mechanics. I was unimpressed with the lack of detailed examples and the "cookbook" approach to teaching the principles of mechanics. Rather than teach the underlying paradigm for deriving and general analysis techniques, this book still takes the approach of many first year undergraduate texts and gives the readers formula's to memorize. It offered little insight regarding how to approach solving a typical problem in mechanics. The examples were somewhat contrived as were the homework problems. Few if any had any obvious relation to real world engineering problems. The few examples given were of little help in understanding how to solve the homework problems and I found my self referring to other text books to understand the principles being taught. It also does not address the use of Euler Parameters instead of Euler Angles in coordinate transformations.