Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CLASSICAL MECHANICS
Code MATH228
Coordinator Dr PEL Rakow
Mathematical Sciences
Rakow@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To provide an understanding of the principles of Classical Mechanics and their application to dynamical systems.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) To understand the variational principles, Lagrangian mechanics, Hamiltonian mechanics.

(LO2) To be able to use Newtonian gravity and Kepler's laws to perform the calculations of the orbits of satellites, comets and planetary motions.

(LO3) To understand the motion relative to a rotating frame, Coriolis and centripetal forces, motion under gravity over the Earth's surface.

(LO4) To understand the connection between symmetry and conservation laws.

(LO5) To be able to work with inertial and non-inertial frames.

(S1) Applying mathematics to physical problems

(S2) Problem solving skills


Syllabus

 

Foundations of classical mechanics: Newton's laws of motion, inertial and non-inertial reference frames, energy principles. Applications to simple dynamical systems under various force systems Newton's law of gravitation and its application to motions of planetary bodies and the orbits of satellites. Motion relative to a rotating frame, coriolis and centripetal forces, motion under gravity over the earth's surface,. Rigid body dynamics: centre of mass, angular velocity and momentum principles. Plane motions of laminae, simple 3-dimensional rigid body motions with reference to practical examples such as the orbiting space station, and the axis of rotation of the earth.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

MATH122 NEWTONIAN MECHANICS; MATH102 CALCULUS II; MATH101 Calculus I; MATH103 Introduction to Linear Algebra 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Final assessment on campus closed book This is an anonymous assessment.  60    50       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Class test on-campus, closed book  60    50