Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mecanique-solide
If you’re looking to build a solid foundation in Newtonian mechanics, particularly the intricacies of rigid body dynamics, then Coursera’s ‘Mécanique : Solide Indéformable’ is a course you absolutely must consider. This course is the third part of a comprehensive four-part series on Newtonian mechanics, and it dives deep into the principles governing the motion of rigid bodies.
Building upon the previous modules on Newton’s Laws and Particle Mechanics, this course assumes a certain level of prior knowledge but helpfully provides introductory modules for those needing a refresher on notation and for those new to the powerful concept of ‘torseurs’ (a mathematical tool for representing forces and moments).
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, starting with ‘Mécanique d’un système de points matériels’ (Mechanics of a system of material points), where the fundamental laws of mechanics are extended to systems, laying crucial groundwork for the subsequent topics. This section is particularly valuable for understanding how to approach complex mechanical problems.
Next, the course delves into ‘Cinématique du solide’ (Kinematics of the rigid body). This is where you’ll learn the essential tools to describe the position, orientation, velocity, and acceleration of any point on a rigid body. Mastering this section is key to accurately analyzing how objects move.
The ‘Dynamique du solide’ (Dynamics of the rigid body) sections are the heart of the course. Here, you’ll apply the dynamic laws established earlier to rigid bodies. A significant focus is placed on understanding how angular momentum changes with respect to the reference point, with an excellent explanation utilizing the torseur formalism.
The course then moves into practical applications with ‘Dynamique du solide, axe d’orientation fixe’ (Dynamics of the rigid body, fixed axis of orientation), using examples like the physical pendulum. Finally, ‘Dynamique du solide, mouvement quelconque’ (Dynamics of the rigid body, general motion) tackles more complex scenarios, deriving Euler’s equations of motion and qualitatively discussing gyroscopic effects, culminating in a treatment of rigid body statics using torseurs.
Overall, ‘Mécanique : Solide Indéformable’ is an excellent resource for students and professionals seeking a rigorous understanding of rigid body mechanics. The explanations are clear, the progression logical, and the use of torseurs provides a powerful analytical framework. While the French language might be a slight barrier for some, the clarity of the concepts and the visual aids make it accessible. I highly recommend this course to anyone serious about mastering classical mechanics.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mecanique-solide