Lecture_01 variational calculus ¶

Variational calculus is similar to calculus. In calculus, you can find the minimum and maximum of a function, $f(x)$ by setting $\frac{df}{dx}=0$ .

In variational calculus, we are seeking the the function, $f(x)$ , that minimizes a functional that may be a function of $E=E(x,~f,~\frac{df}{dx})$ .

How could we use this tool to solve an applied physics problem (dynamics, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, etc.)? choose a specific example

What work and energy would you minimize for a dynamics problem?

Advanced Dynamics

Lecture_01 variational calculus

Lecture_01 variational calculus¶

Lecture_01 variational calculus ¶