Mechanics

Aim

The purpose of the course is to give the student basic knowledge in mechanics. After the course the student should be able to:

• use kinematics to describe motion
• solve problems, describe phenomenon, and perform mechanical calculations by using Newton's laws of motion and conservation laws
• apply the theory in order to determine statics and dynamics of particles, particle systems, rigid bodies, and fluids
• perform and anlyze mechanical experiments

Content

Kinematics: position, velocity, acceleration, angular position, angular velocity, angular acceleration, relative motion. Fundamental physical concepts: mass, force, linear momentum, angular momentum, torque, work, kinetic energy, power, conservative forces, potential energy. Newton’s laws of motion. Conservation of linear momentum, angular momentum, and energy. Statics and dynamics of particles and particle systems. Centre of mass. Total linear and angular momentum. Kinetic energy of a particle system. Rotation of a rigid body. Moments of inertia. Equilibrium, static equilibrium. Newton´s theory of gravity. Statics and dynamics of fluids.