Classical Mechanics: Calculus of Variations

MISN-0-497
CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS
Classical Mechanics
Project PHYSNET Physics Bldg. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS by C. P. Frahm 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
ID Sheet: MISN-0-497 THIS IS A DEVELOPMENTAL-STAGE PUBLICATION OF PROJECT PHYSNET The goal of our project is to assist a network of educators and scientists in transferring physics from one person to another. We support manuscript processing and distribution, along with communication and information systems. We also work with employers to identify basic scientic skills as well as physics topics that are needed in science and technology. A number of our publications are aimed at assisting users in acquiring such skills. Our publications are designed: (i) to be updated quickly in response to eld tests and new scientic developments; (ii) to be used in both classroom and professional settings; (iii) to show the prerequisite dependencies existing among the various chunks of physics knowledge and skill, as a guide both to mental organization and to use of the materials; and (iv) to be adapted quickly to specic user needs ranging from single-skill instruction to complete custom textbooks. New authors, reviewers and eld testers are welcome. PROJECT STAFF Andrew Schnepp Eugene Kales Peter Signell Webmaster Graphics Project Director
Title: Calculus of Variations Author: C. P. Frahm, Physics Dept., Illinois State Univ Version: 2/1/2000 Length: 2 hr; 8 pages Input Skills: 1. Calculate the area of the surface of revolution of a given curve. 2. Write down expressions for the potential and kinetic energies of an oscillator (MISN-0-495) and a linear pendulum (MISN-0-493). Output Skills (Knowledge): K1. State the basic problem of the calculus of variations and describe in general terms the method of solution. K2. Derive Eulers equation for one dependent variable. K3. Derive the second form of Eulers equation applicable when the integrand is not on explicit function of x (the independent variable). K4. Derive Eulers equations for several dependent variables. Output Skills (Problem Solving): S1. Use the variational technique and Eulers equations to solve the brachistochrone problem, to nd geodesics on simple surfaces, to nd the function which has the minimum surface of revolution, and other such problems. External Resources (Required): 1. J. Marion, Classical Dynamics, Academic Press (1988). Evaluation: Stage B0
ADVISORY COMMITTEE D. Alan Bromley E. Leonard Jossem A. A. Strassenburg Yale University The Ohio State University S. U. N. Y., Stony Brook
Views expressed in a module are those of the module author(s) and are not necessarily those of other project participants. c 2001, Peter Signell for Project PHYSNET, Physics-Astronomy Bldg., Mich. State Univ., E. Lansing, MI 48824; (517) 355-3784. For our liberal use policies see: http://www.physnet.org/home/modules/license.html.
MISN-0-497
MISN-0-497
CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS by C. P. Frahm 1. Introduction

One of the most intriguing properties of nature is its apparent fondness for variational principles. Almost every class of physical phenomena from classical mechanics to general relativity can be formulated in terms of a variational principle. In classical mechanics the variational principle is known as Hamiltons Principle while in geometrical optics, it is known as Fermats Principle. As well as providing a useful tool for the solution of certain kinds of problems, these variational principles provide an elegant new point-of-view from which one can gain new insights into the behavior of physical systems. This unit will cover the mathematical methods of variational calculus while subsequent units will treat Hamiltons principle and its application to mechanics.
4. Read Example 5.2 in Marion. In the brachistochrone problem, it is assumed that the particle slides on a frictionless surface under the inuence of gravity. The problem is to nd the shape of the surface that minimizes the travel time. Read example 6.4 on geodesics in Marion. Work problems 6-3, 6-4 in Marion. Work problem 6-5 in Marion, using eq. 6.18.
Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank Illinois State University for support in the construction of this lesson. Preparation of this module was supported in part by the National Science Foundation, Division of Science Education Development and Research, through Grant #SED 74-20088 to Michigan State University.
2. Procedures
1. Read Sections 6.1 and 6.2 in Marion. Omit Example 6.1. The two examples given in the section 6.2 are a little misleading since they yield extrema only for a special class of trial functions. In general, one wishes to nd extrema for arbitrary trial functions and, in fact, one usually does not specify the form of the trial functions. 2. Read section 6-3 in Marion and ll in any missing details. This is the fundamental variational technique and should be studied carefully. 3. Read sections 6.4 and 6.5 in Marion. Optional: Read Chapter 17 of Arfken. A number of worked-out examples are given in this reference.

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MISN-0-497

CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS by C. P. Frahm 1. Introduction

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