PHYS 335 - Classical Mechanics and Orbital Dynamics

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SP. Theory and applications of the Newtonian framework, covering systems of particles, conservation laws, the harmonic oscillator, central forces, orbital motion, motion in noninertial reference frames, rotations of rigid objects, coupled oscillators and normal modes, the principle of least action, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. The status of Newtonian determinism and the question of predictability are also addressed. Interplanetary trajectories and associated spacecraft dynamics are presented. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 235 (may be taken concurrently) and MATH 172. In addition, CS 106, MATH 231, and MATH 271 are recommended.