Euler-Lagrange equations for variational problems on space curves.
We derive the Euler-Lagrange equations for a large class of variational problems on curves. Our result generalizes a recent result obtained in the literature. Moreover, it is simple and self-contained. It directly yields Euler-Lagrange equations in the form of equilibrium equations for the internal force and moment.
Hornung
Peter
P
Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom. p.hornung@bath.ac.uk