Fundamentals of Applied Dynamics

This introductory textbook offers a distinctive blend of the modern and the historical, seeking to encourage an appreciation for the history of dynamics while also presenting a framework for future learning. The text presents engineering mechanics as a unified field, emphasizing dynamics but integrating topics from other disciplines, including design and the humanities.

The book begins with a history of mechanics, suitable for an undergraduate overview. Subsequent chapters cover such topics as three-dimensional kinematics
the direct approach, also known as vectorial mechanics or the momentum approach
the indirect approach, also called lagrangian dynamics or variational dynamics
an expansion of the momentum and lagrangian formulations to extended bodies
lumped-parameter electrical and electromagnetic devices
and equations of motion for one-dimensional continuum models. The book is noteworthy in covering both lagrangian dynamics and vibration analysis. The principles covered are relatively few and easy to articulate
the examples are rich and broad. Summary tables, often in the form of flowcharts, appear throughout. End-of-chapter problems begin at an elementary level and become increasingly difficult. Appendixes provide theoretical and mathematical support for the main text.