Classical Mechanics

Learning outcomes

What learners can expect

1. Model one- and multi-dimensional motion using position, velocity, acceleration, reference frames, and useful coordinates.
2. Construct free-body diagrams, select force laws, and solve constrained Newtonian systems.
3. Use work-energy, momentum, centre-of-mass, and angular-momentum methods and state their assumptions.
4. Analyse fixed-axis rigid-body motion, torque, inertia, rolling, and translational/rotational energy.
5. Use Newtonian gravitation, orbital dynamics, angular momentum, and gravitational energy to analyse central motion.
6. Derive and analyse simple harmonic motion and interpret damping/forcing at an introductory level.
7. Use scaling, approximation, generalized coordinates, and introductory Lagrangian reasoning to choose efficient mechanics models.
8. Numerically integrate mechanics equations and validate simulations against analytic solutions, convergence, and conservation laws.