Classical Mechanics

Mathematical Tools.- Laws of Mechanics.- Least Action for One Coordinate.- Principle of Least Action.- Integrating Equations of Motion.- Rigid-Body Motion.- Canonical Mechanics.- Many-Particle Mechanics.- Theory of Elasticity.

Reinhard Hentschke studied physics at the University of Osnabrück, Germany. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Maine, USA, with a thesis entitled "Application of Conformal Invariance to the Investigation of Second Order Surface Phase Transitions". After a stay as a visiting scientist at the Department of Chemistry, Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, he worked as a postdoc at the Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University. Returning to Germany he joined the Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research as a staff scientist. After obtaining his Habilitation in Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, Gutenberg University, Mainz, he moved to Wuppertal, where he is a professor in Physics at the Bergische Universität.

His research interests have frequently straddled the boundary between physics and chemistry. Early work as a Diplom and Ph.D. student has focused on surface physics, dealing with topics in molecule/ion-surface collisions and surface phase transitions. During his postdoctoral years the focus shifted to theoretical physical chemistry of reversible molecular aggregation as found in micellar and protein systems and the attendant liquid crystalline phase behavior. As a scientist at the Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research he has concentrated on computer modelling of polymers.

Subsequent work has been a synthesis of these earlier fields. His group has concentrated on (a) the theoretical investigation of sorption in polymer networks, using computer simulation methods and lattice theory; (b) reversible self-assembly and phase behavior of equilibrium polymers, using again a combination of computer simulation and analytical theory; (c) dielectric properties in conjunction with the structural phase behavior of dipolar fluids; (d) the development of computer algorithms for molecular modelling. Recently he has become interested in theoretical problems encountered in elastomer technology.

"This textbook on classical mechanics is intended for physics students, who encounter the subject as a part of their undergraduate curriculum in theoretical physics. However it could be used in Mechanics courses for Engineering students as well. ... I stress that the book is a welcome addition to the textbooks on Classical Mechanics and I strongly recommend it for Physics and Engineering students." (Teodor Atanackovic, zbMATH 1364.70002, 2017)