Modern Intermediate Mechanics (MIM) covers all the basic concepts of classical mechanics. It can serve as a foundational text for a one-semester course or a complete two-semester sequence for intermediate-level undergraduate students in physics or engineering. It includes a comprehensive coverage of the ideas at a basic level (Part I) and at an advanced level (Part II). In addition:
• MIM has many modern applications including Green functions (Chapter 3), Dirac delta functions (Chapter 3), chaos theory (Chapter 4), variational theory (Chapter 6), Runge-Lenz treatment of celestial mechanics (Chapter 8), aspects of General Relativity (Chapter 8), gravitational light deflection (Chapter 9), the Foucault pendulum (Chapter 10), as well as the concept of the “light cone” in special relativity (Chapter 13).
• MIM hits the “sweet spot” level of mathematical rigor. The student is challenged but in an engaging manner.
• MIM has many complete, solved examples in the text as well as 290 original problems arranged by section number. This arrangement is helpful to instructors who need to know quickly which problems to assign for a given text coverage.
1.Mathematical Review. 2.Newtonian Mechanics. 3.Linear Oscillations. 4.Nonlinear Oscillations. 5.Gravitation. 6.Calculus of Variations. 7.Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics. 8.Particle interactions and Central Forces. 9.Scattering and Collisions of Particles. 10.Noninertial Reference Frames. 11.Rigid Body Motion. 12.Coupled Oscillations. 13.Special Relativity.
Biography
Walter Wilcox is professor of physics at Baylor University in Waco, TX, USA, and served as Secretary/Treasurer in the Texas Section of the American Physical Society from 2017-2023. He earned a PhD in elementary particle physics from UCLA in 1981 under the guidance of Dr. Julian Schwinger. He has also taught and conducted research at Oklahoma State University (1981–1983), TRIUMF Laboratory (1983–1985), and the University of Kentucky (1985–1986). He has been awarded grants from the National Science Foundation in theoretical physics, and, in collaboration with Ron Morgan, in applied mathematics. He was also awarded the TSAPS Distinguished Service Award in 2023 and has authored approximately 50 peer-reviewed journal articles in his chosen subjects. His research focuses on the development and use of numerical methods in the field of theoretical physics known as "lattice QCD".
Wilcox is an ardent supporter of the freedom-loving people of Ukraine and helped deliver humanitarian supplies from Hungary to the western region of Ukraine in the summer of 2022. He also has supported and worked with Waco Habitat for Humanity for many years.
Wilcox is the proud father of one son who loves all things computer, including using cybersecurity to protect users.
