Mechanics - Definition and Overview

Mechanics (Latin mechanicus, from the Greek mechanikos, "one skilled in machines") is a variety of specialised sciences pertaining to the functions and routine operations of machines, machine-like devices or objects. When preceded by a qualifier, mechanics refers to the study of empirically mechanical functions of a stated quantity or property.

Disciplines of mechanics

• Biomechanics - study of mechanical properties of biologically created structures.
• Classical mechanics (a.k.a. Newtonian mechanics)
  • Dynamics -- objects in motion subject to forces
    • Astrodynamics
    • Celestial mechanics
  • Hamiltonian mechanics, a formalism for classical mechanics
  • Kinematics - objects in motion disregarding forces
  • Statics - objects in equilibrium
• Continuum mechanics
  • Acoustic theory
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Solid mechanics
    • Strength of materials
• Lie group symmetries
• Mechatronics
• Quantum mechanics
• Statistical mechanics
• Relativistic mechanics
  • Gravitation