Mechanics and Waves

A mechanical wave is a an oscillation of matter, and therefore transfers energy through a medium. While waves can move over long distances, the movement of the medium of transmission-the material-is limited. Therefore, the oscillating material does not move far from its initial equilibrium position. Mechanical waves transport energy. This energy propagates in the same direction as the wave. Any kind of wave (mechanical or electromagnetic) has a certain energy. Mechanical waves can be produced only in media which possess elasticity and inertia. Mechanics is the study of the motion of matter and the forces required to cause its motion. Mechanics is based on the concepts of time, space, force, energy, and matter. The knowledge of mechanics is needed for the study of all branches of physics, chemistry, biology and engineering. The consideration of all aspects of mechanics would be too large a task for us. Instead, in this course, we shall study only the classical mechanics of non-polar continua. We shall concern ourselves with the basic principles common to fluids and solids. The mechanics are a physical science, since it deals with the study of physical phenomena. However, some associate mechanics with mathematics, while many consider it as an engineering subject. Both these views are justified in part. Mechanics is the foundation of most engineering sciences and is an indispensable prerequisite to their study. This book aim to provide the necessary foundation in wave mechanics which prepare the students for an intensive study of advanced topics at a later stage, much of wave mechanics requires a good knowledge of mathematics.