Computer Algebra Recipes for Classical Mechanics

This work may be used as a source for algebra "recipes" for second year undergraduates. The book does not try to teach the fundamentals of the subject, rather the recipes are organised to correlate with topics found in standard classical mechanics texts. The book utilises the computer algebra system MAPLE (Release 7) but no prior knowledge of MAPLE is presumed. The relevant command structures are explained on a need-to-know basis as the recipes are developed thus making this a standalone text. The computer algebra recipes are introduced in the context of interesting tales and have been placed on a Windows Platform CD that accompanies the book. Mac and UNIX systems are also compatible. The CD also includes computer algebra solutions to hundreds of problems. This problem-solving guide can be used in a variety of ways: a classroom text, a reference text, a text for an on-line course, or as a self-study guide. It will benefit science professionals and engineers who need to quickly solve complex classical mechanics problems relevant to their work and it should prove useful for instructors seeking a modern approach to teaching the subject.

Table of Contents:
A. Computer Algebra Systems.- B. The Spiral Approach to Learning Mechanics.- C. Maple Help.- D. Introductory Recipe.- E. How to Use this Text.- I The Appetizers.- 1 Vectors and Kinematics.- 2 Newtonian Mechanics.- II The Entrees.- 3 Vector Calculus.- 4 Newtonian Dynamics I.- 5 Newtonian Dynamics II.- III The Desserts.- 6 Lagrangian & Hamiltonian Dynamics.

Review :
"[The authors’] purpose is not simply to rehash…classical topics, but rather to show how a computer algebra system (CAS) may be used as a pedagogical tool to carry out both standard numerical computations and complicated symbolic manipulations in the context of classical mechanics.… Other interesting features of the book include the use of a relevant quotation at the beginning of each section and the creation of story problems to introduce and illustrate virtually every topic, making the book more readable and accessible to students. …Recommended." —Choice ". . . it can be a very useful complementary tool to classical lectures in the field of classical mechanics. Using this text as a unique basis for a course in classical mechanics is possible . . ." —Mathematical Reviews "This is a textbook discussing the use of computer algebra for computations in elementary classical mechanics. It is based on the system Maple 8; no prior knowledge of it is required. . . . The book gives a solid introduction into the basic use of Maple. . . . The book should serve well as an exercise or lab book accompanying a standard course on elementary classical mechanics." —Zentralblatt Math