All Questions
Tagged with classical-mechanics lagrangian-formalism
1,464
questions
5
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2
answers
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How the Lagrangian of classical system can be derived from basic assumptions?
It is well known that the Lagrangian of a classical free particle equal to kinetic energy. This statement can be derived from some basic assumptions about the symmetries of the space-time. Is there ...
- 111
96
votes
4
answers
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Physical meaning of Legendre transformation
I would like to know the physical meaning of the Legendre transformation, if there is any? I've used it in thermodynamics and classical mechanics and it seemed only a change of coordinates?
- 1,227
2
votes
1
answer
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Does Action in Classical Mechanics have a Interpretation? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Hamilton's Principle
The Lagrangian formulation of Classical Mechanics seem to suggest strongly that "action" is more than a mathematical trick. I suspect strongly that it ...
- 139
3
votes
1
answer
1k
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Lagrangian density of linear elastic solid
I need the general expression for the lagrangian density of a linear elastic solid. I haven't been able to find this anywhere. Thanks.
becko
49
votes
8
answers
15k
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Classical mechanics without coordinates book
I am a graduate student in mathematics who would like to learn some classical mechanics. However, there is one caveat: I am not interested in the standard coordinate approach. I can't help but think ...
4
votes
1
answer
1k
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Distinguishing mechanical systems from general dynamical systems
In the following let a "mechanical system" be a system of $n$ spatial objects moving in physical space.
Consider you are given a function $q:\mathbb{R} \rightarrow \mathcal{M}^n$ with $\mathcal{M}$ a ...
147
votes
8
answers
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Calculus of variations -- how does it make sense to vary the position and the velocity independently?
In the calculus of variations, particularly Lagrangian mechanics, people often say we vary the position and the velocity independently. But velocity is the derivative of position, so how can you treat ...
- 2,145
7
votes
3
answers
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Constraint force on a rod
I really hope someone will take a quick look at the following, I would just love to better understand it...
This exercise is from Arnold's "Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics", p. 97 in the ...
- 2,426
29
votes
9
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Book about classical mechanics
I am looking for a book about "advanced" classical mechanics. By advanced I mean a book considering directly Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation, and also providing a firm basis in the geometrical ...