Mechanics 1

Teacher(s)

Govaerts Jan;

Language

French

Main themes

This teaching unit aims to introduce to the fundamental concepts of physics. In particular the following topics are addressed :
The mathematics of classical mechanics, vector calculus, kinematics ; the laws of static equilibrium, forces and torques ; the Principles of Newton's mechanics : dynamics and applications ; conservation laws and applications ; the two body problem, Kepler's laws, universal gravity, Gauss' theorem ; elements of the dynamics of solids, moment of inertia ; elements of Special Relativity, Lorentz transformations and spacetime, relativistic energy and momentum.
Furthermore as an opening towards modern physics, two conferences discussing recent developments in physics are organized during the semester, for which the students' participation is compulsory.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	a. Contribution of this teaching unit to the learning outcomes of the programme AA1 : 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 AA2 : 2.1, 2.2, 2.4 AA3 : 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.6 b. Specific learning outcomes of the teaching unit At the end of this teaching unit, the student will be able to : 1. apply in a relevant manner the choice of a reference frame for the expression of the laws of motion ; 2. formulate the kinematics of mechanical systems with the use of vector calculus ; 3. establish and solve the conditions for static equilibrium, inclusive of torques, for extended material systems ; 4. properly grasp the primary meaning of Newton's Three Principles, and their formulation relative to a choice of reference frame ; 5. express the laws of motion for the physical observables of total momentum, total angular momentum, and total kinetic energy, as well as the corresponding conservation laws ; 6. apply and develop these laws of motion and conservation laws in the modeling and solution of extended mechanical systems ; 7. describe how the conservation laws allow for the solution of the two body problem, of relevance to the fundamental gravitational interaction ; 8. express the basic principles of Special Relativity ; 9. handle and use experimental equipments, perform measurements, analyze their results, and report on these in a well-structured way.

Content

This teaching unit aims to introduce to the fundamental concepts of physics. In particular the following topics are addressed :
The mathematics of classical mechanics, vector calculus, kinematics ; the laws of static equilibrium, forces and torques ; the Principles of Newton's mechanics : dynamics and applications ; conservation laws and applications ; the two body problem, Kepler's laws, universal gravity, Gauss' theorem ; elements of the dynamics of solids, moment of inertia ; elements of Special Relativity, Lorentz transformations and spacetime, relativistic energy and momentum.
Furthermore as an opening towards modern physics, two conferences discussing recent developments in physics are organised during the semester, for which the students' participation is compulsory. For the year 2020-2021, depending on the sanitary evolution, at best only a single such conference will be organised.

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Blackboard teaching and slide projections, experimental demonstrations during lectures, tutored laboratory and exercise practicals.
Optional research project, with written report and a final oral group presentation. When feasible this project is coordinated with one of the two compulsory conferences discussing recent developments in physics which are organised within this teaching unit. For the year 2020-2021 this project is not organised as such, but remains offered to those students interested for themselves in having such a modest research experience.
It is deemed crucial to emphasize the importance of the concepts of physics, of their primary meaning, of their rigorous and precise mathematical formulation based on simple experimental facts as well as ordinary everyday observations of point mechanics. The relevance of concepts of invariance and of the conservation of physical observables is emphasized throughout, which by themselves allow already for the partial integration of the equations of motion. The compulsory conferences organised with this teaching unit share in the aims of this very same learning outcome.
Presentation during lectures, tutored practicals and tutored sessions of the solutions to « pedagogical » exercises and exercises typical of final examination questions.
The necessary methodological tools are developed during lectures and practicals alike. A list of exercises with their solutions is provided.

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

• Compulsory written test at the end of week 5: suspended in 2020-2021, and replaced by regular tests during the semester.
•  Written final exam : resolution of problems, demonstration of theoretical reasoning.
• Examples of grading of the laboratory reports.
• Oral presentation of the optional research project based on a written report, all realised by groups of students: suspended in 2020-2021
•  Participation to the two compulsory conferences organised within this teaching unit: in 2020-2021 at most a single conference is to be organised.

Presumably, depending on the evolution of the sanitary situation, tests will be organised during the semester of which the grades will contribute for part to the final grade of the final evaluation of this teaching unit.

Bibliography

Un syllabus et un recueil de travaux pratiques (exercices et laboratoires) sont mis à disposition des étudiants inscrits à cet enseignement.
Bien d'autres documents en soutien à l'étude de cette matière sont encore proposés via une plateforme Modle en ligne dédicacée à cet enseignement.

Teaching materials

• Syllabus et recueil de travaux pratiques (exercices et laboratoires)

Faculty or entity

PHYS