In this subject students deal with the kinematics and dynamics of a particle and systems of particles, and some of the types of differential equations which arise in the mathematical descriptions of the motions studied. The main mechanical topics emphasize the study of particle dynamics and conservation laws, rigid rotating bodies and the two body problem with central forces, based on Newton's second law of motion. The new solutions of differential equations considered are solutions of second order differential equations with non-constant coefficients, with expansions about ordinary points and regular singular points. The subject covers applications of forces, momentum and kinetic and potential energy, for particles and rigid bodies, with a focus on orbits of planets. The subject also covers the solution of wave equations in two and three dimensions. The main tools used are derived from concepts in MAT2VCA.
