Analytical Mechanics

Analytical mechanics is the foundation of many areas of theoretical physics including quantum theory and statistical mechanics and has wide-ranging applications in engineering and celestial mechanics. This introduction to the basic principles and methods of analytical mechanics covers Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics rigid bodies small oscillations canonical transformations and HamiltonJacobi theory. This fully up-to-date textbook includes detailed mathematical appendices and addresses a number of advanced topics some of them of a geometric or topological character. These include Bertrand''s theorem proof that action is least spontaneous symmetry breakdown constrained Hamiltonian systems non-integrability criteria KAM theory classical field theory Lyapunov functions geometric phases and Poisson manifolds. Providing worked examples end-of-chapter problems and discussion of ongoing research in the field it is suitable for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students studying analytical mechanics.