Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics

11R7. Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics. - AP Boresi and RJ Schmidt (Dept of Civil and Architec Eng, Univ of Wyoming, PO Box 3295, Laramie WY 82071-3295). Brooks/Cole, Pacific Grove CA. 2001. 772 pp. ISBN 0-534-95162-7. $104.95.Reviewed by F Mei (Dept of Appl Mech, Beijing Inst of Tech, 7 Baishiqiao Rd, Haidian, Beijing, 100081, China).Boresi and Schmidt’s textbook is a very good one for students of engineering science. It is also a good reference for university teachers. The book consists of nine chapters (Ch 13-Ch 21) and six appendices. The authors present the dynamics of particles in the first four chapters. Chapter 13 is an introduction to dynamics, kinematics of particles. Chapter 14 deals with the kinetics of particles. Chapter 15 presents the work and energy principles for particles. In Chapter 15, the authors also present the general concept of energy. Chapter 16 deals with the momentum principles for particles. In Chapters 17–21, the authors focus on the dynamics of rigid bodies. Chapter 17 covers the kinematics of rigid bodies. The plane kinetics of rigid bodies is discussed in Chapter 18. Chapter 19 consists of the energy and momentum principles and the dynamics of plane motion of rigid bodies. The authors present the vibrations of single-degree-of-freedom systems in Chapter 20. Chapter 21 deals with the three-dimensional kinetics of rigid bodies. In this chapter, the authors also present the gyroscopic effects. In the appendices, the authors give the geometric, trigonometric, and hyperbolic relations; the geometry of mass; and the numerical integration. The authors do not cover the Lagrange mechanics in this book. The book has the following distinguishing features: 1) It sets a new standard for clarity and precision in its presentation of engineering mechanics. 2) The dynamics of particles and rigid bodies is presented with the framework of the SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review). 3) Some typical real-world examples and problems are given in all the chapters. 4) Some nice and beautiful figures are given. 5) Check point is good for comprehension of readers. Summarizing, this reviewer recommends Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics for students, teachers, and libraries.