Customer Reviews

700 Solved Problems In Vector Mechanics for Engineers Volume II: Dynamics (Schaum's Solved Problems Series)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is possibly the best dynamics books I've laid my hands on. I am an engineering student using this for a first-year Mechanics course, and this book is a lifesaver.

Each chapter starts with 'questions' like 'give a definition of moment of inertia' and then proceeds to actually explain the concepts as opposed to starting with lengthy derivations. The text is clear, aided by diagrams and the derivations that are provided are usually easy to follow.

But the real gem comes afterwards - the author starts with small, fairly simple problems in the beginning, and then each successive problem builds on the concepts learned from the earlier problems. In this way, one learns progressively, as opposed to having all the information presented at once. After six or seven questions, you will be solving more advanced questions. It is *essential* to work through the problems in order unless one already has a thorough knowledge of the topics covered in those problems. The worked solutions don't just give a method, they give explanations and the rationale behind solving it that particular way.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough - I went from dreading Dynamics to loving the challenge.

Be aware though that this book does not cover orbital dynamics.

I purchased this solution's manual to assist me with Beer & Johnston's Vector Mechanics for Engineers. Although the solutions they provide therein are clear and complete, you should not expect to find a solution to a specific problem bedeviling you. I spent a great deal of time looking for a similar solved problem from which I could harvest the technique and apply to my situation but, 70% of the time I was unsuccessful. In the absence of a solutions manual from the publisher and limited professor office hours, this may be your only recourse. Good Luck!

If your text book is Beer Vector Mechanics for Engineers 8 edition, I think you'll find this a very helpful supplement. Equations are similarly formatted, but explanations are somewhat different (and for me more understandable). Many problems are more basic and you get the chance to build up to the problems in Beer's book.

It's infinitely more helpful than Schaum's Engineering Mechanics Statics and Dynamics 5th Ed, by E.W.Nelson, C.L. Best, et al. If you're using the Beer book, I think this Schaum's book will confuse and frustrate you.

This is a must have if you are taking Dynamics. Normally textbooks will show a limited number of completely worked out problems. So while things make since during class, you end up lost when you start working problems at home. That's why the Schaum's series is a useful tool. Not only do you actually see many problems worked out, but it helps you to understand the process of solving those problems.

I also own Volume I:Statics and I will probably own many books in the Schaum series throught my engineering studies.