PH 306 - Continuum Mechanics, Spring 2016-17

Instructor Name Raghunath Chelakkot

Course Type Honours/Elective (Core for DD)

Course overview

Lagrangian density, generalised Euler-Lagrange equations, concept of continuum limit, tensors, electromagnetic field tensor and lagrangian density of the field

Fluid mechanics - Navier-Stokes equation, its solutions for specific conditions

Elasticity - Moduli of elasticity, deformation, stress/strain tensors,elastic energy, bending of rods

Prerequisites

No formal or informal prerequisites

Credit distribution

2 quizzes (15% each), 1 midsem (30%), 1 endsem (40%)

Feedback on Lectures

No formal attendance policy, classes mostly on blackboard, only introductory lecture and one other lecture on the concept of strain rate, and bending of rods used slides

Feedback on tutorials, assignments and exams

Ungraded tutorials were regularly provided for practice, and consequently discussed in class

Relevant References

1. Goldstein for the initial Classical Mechanics part
2. George Batchelor fluid dynamics
3. Landau and Lifshitz volumes on fluid mechanics and elasticity

Pro-tips

Lecture material, if followed diligently, is sufficient to do well in this course.

Personal comments

The course won't cover much of classical field theory, Goldstein's (classical mechanics) last few chapters has a lot of useful content for the interested student. This is not a course on fluid mechanics, or elasticity. Only some of the basic concepts of these topics are covered. It is advisable to do reading on your own if you want to get something useful out of this course.

Pay attention in class, and you’ll do ok. It is advisable to have detailed notes of the class, or at least a friend who makes detailed notes :P

Respondents Sumukh Vaidya, Arkya Chatterjee

Note: This is a review to help you make a more informed choice about how to study for this course and/or choosing this course. While we've tried to keep it objective and complete, one must keep in mind that students have varying interests, methods of study, and the course itself changes from year to year.