SI2360 Analytical Mechanics and Classical Field Theory 7.5 hp


WRITTEN EXAMINATION 2009-05-19, 14-19, FB53-55

In addition there is an oral examination after the written exam.

In 2009 the course will not be lectured at KTH. Instead we recommend the Stockholm University course FK8001 with start Monday Jan 19 at 10.15 in FB41: follow this link for information. Alternatively you can study the course as a reading course using last years course material. In any case you need to contact Mats and register for the course.


The rest of the page refers to the course given in 2008:

Oral examination
To set up a time for the required oral examination send me an email. It takes about 30 minutes and focuses on theory questions from the lecture notes.

Information

Aims

After the course you should be able to:

Content

This is an advanced course on classical physics, including mechanics and classical field theory. The course develops basic theoretical skills and understanding that form a necessary preparation to many modern developments of theoretical physics. In particular it gives the background to appreciate the transtion to quantum mechanics. The aim is to give a good working knowledge of the formalisms of Lagrange and Hamilton and their applications in classical (i.e. non-quantized) non-relativistic and relativistic systems. The course should be useful to all theoretically interested students in physics and other related areas.

Topics

Prerequisites

Introductory mechanics and engineering mathematics courses.

Course literature

There is no course book, but the following material is recommended:

Links

Lectures

Prof Mats Wallin, Room A4:1078 in AlbaNova, Email: , Phone: 08-5537 8715

Course requirements and examination

Written examination: May 29, in room FB53, time 8.00-13.00

Written August Examination Friday 29/8 time 8.00-13.00 in classroom FB51.



1. Volunatry homework will be given throughout the course, that gives bonus points on the written examination.
2. A written examination will take place in the end of May.
3. An oral examination on theory questions.
Rules for homework:
Homework sets are posted on the download page.
Some collaboration is allowed, but you must solve, formulate and write your solutions individually.

Time and place

Time: Wednesdays at 13.15-15.00
Place: FB51

Lecture plan


LECTURE CONTENT LITERATURE (Reference+chapter number)
1. Jan 23 Newtonian mechanics FW 1
2. Jan 30 Kepler problem FW 1
3. Feb 6 Lagrangian dynamics FW 3
4. Feb 13 Lagrangian dynamics FW 3
5. Feb 20 Hamiltonian dynamics FW 6
6. March 5 Hamiltonian dynamics FW 6
7. March 26 Small oscillations FW 4
8. April 2 Rigid bodies FW 5
9. April 9 The spinning top FW 5
10. April 16 Canonical transformations FW 6, G 9
11. April 23 Hamilton-Jacobi theory, transition to quantum mechanics FW 6, G 10
12. April 30 Classical field theory JS 9
13. May 7 Classical field theory JS 9
14. May 13 Fluid dynamics JS 9

Mats Wallin