Physics 246, Mechanics II
(Spring Semester 2007)
- Course Description:
- Physics 246 (Mechanics II) covers the
following topics: Euler-Lagrange and Hamiltonian equations,
introduction to nonlinear mechanics and chaos, relativistic
mechanics, hydrodynamics and elasticity.
Ideas are illustrated and supported with physical examples. There is
extensive use of computing for symbolic analysis and simulations.
- Instructor:
- Michael Rozman
email: rozman@phys.uconn.edu
phone: 860 486 5827
office: P327, Physics Building
- Office Hours:
- Wednesdays and Fridays from Noon to 2:00 PM in
P327 Physics Building and/or by appointments.
- Communications:
- Email to rozman@phys.uconn.edu is the preferred
method to contact the instructor. Please include the string
``[phys246]'' in the subject of your email. Phone calls are returned
at the discretion of the instructor.
- Lectures:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11:00 AM -- 11:50 AM
in room M407, Mathematical Sciences Building.
- Computer Lab:
- Physics Computer Lab P122, time to be arranged.
- Webpage:
- http://www.phys.uconn.edu/phys246
- Homework:
- Doing problems was the best way to learn, therefore
homeworks constitute a very important part of P246. The classical
mechanics concepts can be quite difficult and it is only by going
through the details of calculations that you can achieve mastery.
The homeworks will count as 30% of the overall grade. Weekly
problem sets will be posted on the web site 7-10 days before due
date. The worked out solutions will be due by 6 PM on Monday in
Room P327.
- Exams:
- There will be three lecture-hour midterms and an
open-book Final.
- What to bring for exams:
- ID, scientific calculator, letter-size
card with notes (optional)
- Grading scheme:
The course grade will be calculated using the best of Plans A or B.
| |
Plan A |
Plan B |
| Homework |
30% |
30% |
| Midterms |
40% |
30% |
| Final |
30% |
40% |
- Textbook(s):
-
- Required:
- R. Douglas Gregory, Classical Mechanics, Cambridge
University Press 2006
- Recommended:
- W. Michael Lai, David Rubin, Erhard Krempl,
Introduction to Continuum Mechanics, 3rd edition, Butterworth-Heinemann 1995
- Additional literature:
- L. D. Landau, E. M. Lifshitz, Mechanics, 3rd edition,
Butterworth-Heinemann 1982
- H. Goldstein, C. P. Poole, and J. L. Safko Classical
Mechanics, 3rd edition, Addison-Wesley 2002
- L. D. Landau, E. M. Lifshitz, Fluid Mechanics, 2rd edition,
Butterworth-Heinemann 1987
- L. D. Landau, E. M. Lifshitz, Theory of Elasticity, 3rd edition,
Butterworth-Heinemann 1986