AMAT 11232: Mechanics I

Course Code   : AMAT 11232

Title                 :  Mechanics I

Pre-requisites   :  A/L Combined Mathematics

Learning Outcomes  : 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to

1. consolidate the understanding of fundamental concepts in mechanics such as force, energy, momentum etc
2. describe and apply concepts of inertial frames and transformations between inertial frames
3. define properties of particle motion
4. apply Newton’s law for motion of particles under conservative forces
5. describe and apply Kepler’s law
6. expand and exercise the Newton’s laws in solving problems related to the motion of a particle in inertial
frames, rotating frames and relative to rotating earth.

Course Content:

Newtonian Kinematics: 

• Inertial frames, Transformations between inertial frames (Lorentz and Galilean transformation), Relative motion of particles, Relative motion of frames of reference.

      Motion of a Particle: 

• Mass, Momentum, Torque and angular momentum, Velocity and acceleration in polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, Equation of motion in vectorial form, One dimensional motion, Integrals of motion, Work, kinetic energy and potential energy, Impulse, Motion under a conservative forces, Motion under a central force, Kepler’s laws, Rotating frames of reference, Motion relative to rotating earth.

      System of Particles: 

• Centre of mass, External and internal forces, Integrals of motion, Momentum, Angular momentum, Work, kinetic energy & potential energy, Conservative systems, Constants of motion.

Method of Teaching and Learning  : A combination of lectures and tutorial discussions.

Assessment   : Based on tutorials, tests and end of course examination.

Recommended Reading:

1. Rao, A.V. (2006). Dynamics of Particles and Rigid Bodies: A Systematic approach, Cambridge University Press.
2. Chorlton, F. (2nd Ed., 2019). Textbook of Dynamics, D. Van Nostrand.
3. Chirgwin, B.H. & Plumpton, C. (2013). Advanced Theoretical Mechanics: A Course of Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists, Volume 6. Elsevier.
4. Desloge, E.A. (1982). Classical Mechanics, John Wiley, New York.
5. Greiner, W. (2nd Ed., 2010). Classical Mechanics: Systems of Particles and Hamiltonian Dynamics, Springer.
6. Goldstein, H., Poole, C. P. & Safko, J. (3rd Ed., 2011). Classical Mechanics, Pearson.
7. Strauch D. (2009). Classical Mechanics, An Introduction, Springer.
8. Rao, K.S. (2003). Classical Mechanics, Universities Press.