Introduction to Mechanics

Introduction to Mechanics, Second Edition offers a modern introduction to Newtonian dynamics and the basics of special relativity. The present edition covers almost all the topics specified in the mechanics syllabus of most Indian universities. It emphases fundamental principles of mechanics and introduction of modern topics, such as symmetries, nonlinear dynamics and presentation of Newton's laws as a differential equation. The programming language Python is used to solve a large number of differential equations numerically and to plot them.

Discussions on several topics have been expanded and many new topics have been introduced—surface tension and capillary action, Buckingham Pi theorem, impulse, magnetorotational instability (MRI), fluid flows and bending moment. The dynamics of the gyroscope have been developed very systematically and this is a unique feature of the book. Each chapter contains new illustrations, more discussions, examples and exercises.

Excerpts of the reviews of the book Introduction to Mechanics

This is an extremely effective book on classical mechanics for all undergraduates. All the relevant topics are covered and what is more important several illustrative examples have been provided. The eye for detail is particularly noticeable in the book and this will make it very well suited for self study. Prof. Jayanta Bhattacharjee

Apart from the very clear discussion of standard topics that a college level mechanics book should include, the second edition of Mahendra Verma's well-known textbook covers from history, numerical methods and chaos to solid and fluid mechanics as well as special relativity. I wish I had this wonderful and student-friendly book when I was a college student myself! Prof. Arnab Rai Choudhuri, IISc

Introduction to Mechanics (2nd Edition) contains a very wide range of topics. The book can be very useful to a variety of university curricula. The treatments of the topics are easy to follow by both the students and the teachers of the subject. The book contains a large number of solved and exercise problems rendering the volume very helpful to the students for practice and self evaluation. There are a number of topics related to dynamics, both Newtonian and relativistic, which are commonly not found in many books on Mechanics. Prof. Amitabha Ghosh

This edition covers all the topics (and a few more) which are usually taught in one semester course on classical Mechanics in Indian Universities. Verma spent sufficient time and space to lay bare the immense potential of Newtonian formulation which is seldom recognised and appreciated. I particularly like chapter 3 on forces where, unlike usual text, he has discussed all kind of forces ranging from very basic force like gravitation to derived forces like surface tension. This kind of discussion brings out the unifying and common feature of all forces. After introducing Newtonian formulation in the second chapter he quickly introduces other topics like motion in one, two and three dimensions, conservation laws, rotation dynamics, dynamics of collisions, rigid body dynamics, Fluid dynamics, nonlinear dynamic and chaos etc. I strongly recommend this book as text for one or two semester course on Classical Mechanics at masters level. Prof. Avinash Khare

This book is aimed at freshmen, and bridges the gap between the elementary and advanced textbooks of Mechanics. Topics like Symmetries, Phase space and Nonlinear oscillations and chaos were the strength of the first edition. In addition to these, the second edition is enriched by the chapters, Mechanics of fluids and Numerical solutions of Newton’s equations. The former one, being considered as an advanced topic, is often neglected in the introductory texts. The first chapter is a delightful one and I sincerely hope that it arouses curiosity among the readers for the History of Science in general. The author has given the historical perspective wherever necessary in addition to his lucid presentation of the key ideas and concepts. Every now and then he has introduced topics, such as Newton vs Mach, Madam Wu’s experiment and Elementary particles, which will certainly act as seeds and stimulate curious readers for further exploration. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in pursuing a career in Physics. Prof. S. Pratik Khastgir

In the second edition of this successful text, the entire book has been thoroughly rewritten. Besides rearrangement of topics, inclusion of new problems and considerable extensions of existing chapters, five new chapters, including Statics, Mechanics of Solids and Fluids, have been added. The modern flavour, the special quality of the original text, has been retained throughout. The text now caters for all the topics that are normally included in the syllabus of various universities. Prof. A. K. Mallik

Quite simply, I like this book, and I think bright undergraduates in physics and engineering will too. It takes a broad view of its subject, reminding the reader that a wide range of classical phenomena, well beyond blocks on inclined planes and pendula, lie in the domain of Classical Mechanics. The standard topics are treated with due respect too. I'm pleased to see that it teaches physics as if computers have been invented -- which they have. It's good to see phase-plane methods introduced early, teaching students the importance of qualitative precision. Of course I'm very happy to see fluid mechanics and elasticity receiving the attention they deserve. I enjoyed the brief discussion of the variety of forces, fundamental and emergent, that we encounter. It's good to see And lastly I'm glad the author is brave enough to spend time on the philosophical underpinnings of the subject. Prof. Sriram Ramaswamy

The book is a lively account of the classical subject of extraordinary sophistication. In addition to providing the standard coverage, the book introduces topics such as phase space description, symmetries of physical laws, nonlinear dynamics and chaos, and numerical solution of Newton’s laws. It also contains a brief introduction to mechanics of solids and fluids as a gradual transition from rigid body dynamics. Prof. K. R. Sreenivasan

The book provides a thorough and comprehensive introduction to Newton's laws and its consequences. The style is clear and amiable, and professor Verma always clarifies elegantly the physical ideas behind the mathematics. Noteworthy are the advanced chapters on nonlinear dynamics and chaos, mechanics of solids, and special relativity, as well as the numerical solutions of Newton's equations using the Python computer language. This is an excellent textbook to aid teachers and for student's self-study. Prof. Pablo Tamborenea

Science is all about reasoning and arguing and not accepting something without clarity and consistency. This book gives a special focus on this aspect while fulfilling the usual expectations from a textbook. Addressing the rich diversity of physical situations governed by the same mathematical formulation is indeed very useful characteristic of the book. Such insights empower the students to have a more comprehensive view of nature and prepares him/her for making new contributions. This book will make students enjoy the beauty of Physics. Prof. H. C. Verma