PHYS_8011_LeeMH_0111.txt


PCS 8011 Classical Mechanics Spring semester 2011

I.  General Information 

Instructor: M Howard Lee

A.  Text

Selected Topics in Advanced Classical Dynamics (2010), third edition, 
by M H Lee

B. Class Attendance--Full attendance expected as well as punctuality.

C.  Homework

A set of problems are found at the end of each chapter.  They are to be 
completed and submitted within a week after the completion of the 
chapter. The solutions will be graded A, B and C: A=good, B= acceptable, 
C=unacceptable.

It is important that the student do these exercise to gain fuller and 
deeper understanding of the materials covered. Failure to submit the 
homework in a timely manner may result in a failing grade for the course.

D. Exams--Mid-term and Final

Exams will be based on the materials presented at the lectures and covered
in the homework.

F. Grades

Provided that all the homework has been submitted, the final grades will
be made up by 1/3 from the midterm exam and 2/3 from the final exam. In
borderline cases, the instructor will exercise discretion. The grades from
the homework and classroom participation will be the main factors.

G. Make-Up Classes

Occasionally the instructor must go out of town to attend conferences, 
to give seminars and colloquia at other universities.* The missed 
lectures will be made up.


H. Office Hours

Any time preferably in the afternoon. No appointments needed.


II.  Topics to be covered (tentative)

A.  Chaos and chaotic dynamics

    Logistic maps, classical ergodic theory

B. Motion of simple pendulum

   Libration and rotation, elliptic integrals

C. Variational methods

   Hamilton's principle, Lagrange's equations, canonical equations,
   Hamilton-Jacobi equation, phase integrals and action-angle variables,
   Liouville theorem

D. Small oscillations

   Finite linear chains, infinite linear chains and applications to 
   lattice vibrations

E.  Hamilton-Jacobi theory

   Formal derivation and applications