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Introduction to Mechanics of Particles and Systems

  • Includes 60 carefully selected and fully solved problems that supplement the theory and help students develop methodological problem-solving skills

  • Employs a rigorous mathematical language intended to prepare students for more advanced courses on classical mechanics

  • Is suitable for self-study, but also useful as a handy lecture-note-form companion to any standard introductory textbook on physics

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-ix
  2. Vectors

    • Costas J. Papachristou
    Pages 1-11
  3. Kinematics

    • Costas J. Papachristou
    Pages 13-31
  4. Dynamics of a Particle

    • Costas J. Papachristou
    Pages 33-52
  5. Work and Energy

    • Costas J. Papachristou
    Pages 53-68
  6. Oscillations

    • Costas J. Papachristou
    Pages 69-81
  7. Systems of Particles

    • Costas J. Papachristou
    Pages 83-99
  8. Rigid-Body Motion

    • Costas J. Papachristou
    Pages 101-132
  9. Elementary Fluid Mechanics

    • Costas J. Papachristou
    Pages 133-154
  10. Back Matter

    Pages 155-269

About this book

This book is based on the author’s lecture notes for his Introductory Newtonian Mechanics course at the Hellenic Naval Academy. In order to familiarize students with the use of several basic mathematical tools, such as vectors, differential operators and differential equations, it first presents the elements of vector analysis that are needed in the subsequent chapters. Further, the Mathematical Supplement at the end of the book offers a brief introduction to the concepts of differential calculus mentioned.  

The main text is divided into three parts, the first of which presents the mechanics of a single particle from both the kinetic and the dynamical perspectives. The second part then focuses on the mechanics of more complex structures, such as systems of particles, rigid bodies and ideal fluids, while the third part consists of 60 fully solved problems.  

Though chiefly intended as a primary text for freshman-level physics courses, the book can also be used as a supplemental (tutorial) resource for introductory courses on classical mechanics for physicists and engineers



Authors and Affiliations

  • Department of Physical Sciences, Hellenic Naval Academy, Piraeus, Greece

    Costas J. Papachristou

About the author

Dr. Costas J. Papachristou is a senior faculty member at the Hellenic Naval Academy (The Naval Academy of Greece). He received a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from Brigham Young University, USA, and spent another year at BYU as a research faculty in Physics. At the HNA, he teaches freshman- and sophomore-level Physics. His research interests are mainly in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (in particular, symmetry and integrability properties of classical field equations, classical electromagnetism) but he is also active in Physics Education. He is an amateur musician and a columnist for Greek newspapers and magazines. 

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Introduction to Mechanics of Particles and Systems

  • Authors: Costas J. Papachristou

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54271-9

  • Publisher: Springer Cham

  • eBook Packages: Physics and Astronomy, Physics and Astronomy (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-54270-2Published: 10 September 2020

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-54273-3Published: 11 September 2021

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-54271-9Published: 09 September 2020

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: IX, 269

  • Number of Illustrations: 197 b/w illustrations

  • Topics: Classical Mechanics, Classical and Continuum Physics, Mechanical Engineering

Buy it now

Buying options

Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access