Module: Mechanics

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Mechanics
Module Code	MS339 (ITS) / MTH1055 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Mathematical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Abraham Harte
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

This module is a mathematical introduction to classical mechanics. The student will learn about the principles of linear and angular momentum, work and energy. These will be used mathematically model physical problems. The application of the theory of central forces to satellite motion is emphasized.

Learning Outcomes

1. Compute kinematical quantities such as velocity, angular velocity and centre of mass.
2. State fundamental principles of linear momentum, angular momentum, and work/ energy
3. Derive equations of motion from balance of linear momentum for standard systems such as projectiles, linear oscillators, planetary orbits and pendula
4. Solve equations of motion of projectiles, pendula and oscillators
5. Explain mathematical modelling of satellite motion, using deduction of Kepler's three laws from Newton's laws of motion and gravitational, as prototype
6. Derive equations of motion rigid bodies, and solve simple problems

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	44	Lectures and Tutorials
Independent Study	143	Working on Exercises
Total Workload: 187

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Kinematics
Velocity, acceleration, polar coordinates

Mechanics of single particle
forces; principle of linear momentum for free particle; examples involving projectiles, linear oscillators and pendula, simple pendulum; work, power, conservative forces and energy; examples

Central forces
Central forces; Kepler s laws; application to motion of planets, comets and satellites

Mechanics of finite systems
Balances of linear and angular momentum for finite systems of particles; centre of mass, reactions, two-body problem

Rigid Body Mechanics
Moving frames of reference, angular velocity, inertia tensor, planar applications, tops

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Questions on Central Orbits, Newton's law of gravitation	7%	Week 11
Assignment	Questions on Rigid Body Mechanics	7%	Week 12
In Class Test	Class Test on Kinematics	6%	Week 5

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

R. D. Gregory: 2006, Classical Mechanics, Cambridge University Press, 9780521534093
M. Lunn: 1991, A First Course in Mechanics, Oxford University Press, 978-0-19-853433-4
D. Acheson: 1997, From Calculus to Chaos, Oxford University Press, 978-0-19-850077-3
J. R. Taylor: 2005, Classical Mechanics, University Science Books, 978-1-891389-22-1

Other Resources

None