Considering mechanics from a variational point of view goes back to Euler, Lagrange and Hamilton. The form of the variational principle most important for continuous mechanics is due to Hamilton, and is often called Hamilton’s principle or the least action principle. Modern geometric mechanics stimulated from the work of Arnold, Marsden and their coworkers. This application of geometrically based ideas to a concrete physical problem is very much in the spirit of Poincare's work in classical mechanics. Despite its maturity, geometric mechanics continuous to grow and find application in various areas. In particular, it finds application in the study of complex materials, nonholonomic mechanics, discrete and stochastic mechanics. They playskip a significant role in the theory of integrable systems and symmetry analysis of physics.

Topics covered during the programme:

Complex materials and dissipative systems

Nonholonomic dynamics

Control theory

Euler-Poincare formalism of integrable systems

Astrodynamics

Summary and Rationale