1.

Record Nr.

UNISALENTO991004265227207536

Autore

Capuzzo Dolcetta, Roberto A.

Titolo

Classical Newtonian gravity : a comprehensive introduction, with examples and exercises / Roberto A. Capuzzo Dolcetta

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Cham : Springer International Publishing, c2019

ISBN

9783030258481

Descrizione fisica

xvi, 176 p. : ill. (some color.) ; 24 cm

Collana

UNITEXT for Physics, 2198-7882

Classificazione

LC QC16.N7

53.1.5

Disciplina

530.092

Soggetti

Mechanics

Space sciences

Potential theory (Mathematics)

Gravitation

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Nota di contenuto

Chapter 1 -- Elements of Vector Calculus -- Chapter 2 Potential Theory -- Chapter 3 -- Central Force Fields -- Chapter 4 -- Potential Series Developments -- Chapter 5 -- Harmonic and Homogeneous Polynomials -- Chapter 6 -- Series of Spherical Harmonics

Sommario/riassunto

This textbook offers a readily comprehensible introduction to classical Newtonian gravitation, which is fundamental for an understanding of classical mechanics and is particularly relevant to Astrophysics. The opening chapter recalls essential elements of vectorial calculus, especially to provide the formalism used in subsequent chapters. In chapter two Classical Newtonian gravity theory for one point mass and for a generic number N of point masses is then presented and discussed. The theory for point masses is naturally extended to the continuous case. The third chapter addresses the paradigmatic case of spherical symmetry in the mass density distribution (central force), with introduction of the useful tool of qualitative treatment of motion. Subsequent chapters discuss the general case of non-symmetric mass density distribution and develop classical potential theory, with elements of harmonic theory, which is essential to understand the potential development in series of the gravitational potential, the



subject of the fourth chapter. Finally, in the last chapter the specific case of motion of a satellite around the earth is considered. Examples and exercises are presented throughout the book to clarify aspects of the theory. The book is aimed at those who wish to progress further beyond an initial bachelor degree, onward to a master degree, and a PhD. It is also a valuable resource for postgraduates and active researchers in the field