Variational Methods With Applications In Science And Engineering

There is a resurgence of applications in which the calculus of variations has direct relevance. In addition to application to solid mechanics and dynamics, it is now being applied in a variety of numerical methods, numerical grid generation, modern physics, various optimization settings and fluid dynamics. Many applications, such as nonlinear optimal control theory applied to continuous systems, have only recently become tractable computationally, with the advent of advanced algorithms and large computer systems. This book reflects the strong connection between calculus of variations and the applications for which variational methods form the fundamental foundation. The mathematical fundamentals of calculus of variations (at least those necessary to pursue applications) is rather compact and is contained in a single chapter of the book. The majority of the text consists of applications of variational calculus for a variety of fields.

This book reflects the strong connection between calculus of variations and the applications for which variational methods form the foundation.

There is a resurgence of applications in which the calculus of variations has direct relevance. In addition to application to solid mechanics and dynamics, it is now being applied in a variety of numerical methods, numerical grid generation, modern physics, various optimization settings and fluid dynamics. Many applications, such as nonlinear optimal control theory applied to continuous systems, have only recently become tractable computationally, with the advent of advanced algorithms and large computer systems. This book reflects the strong connection between calculus of variations and the applications for which variational methods form the fundamental foundation. The mathematical fundamentals of calculus of variations (at least those necessary to pursue applications) is rather compact and is contained in a single chapter of the book. The majority of the text consists of applications of variational calculus for a variety of fields.

The impulse which led to the writing of the present book has emerged from my many years of lecturing in special courses for selected students at the College of Civil Engineering of the Tech nical University in Prague, from experience gained as supervisor and consultant to graduate students-engineers in the field of applied mathematics, and - last but not least - from frequent consultations with technicians as well as with physicists who have asked for advice in overcoming difficulties encountered in solving theoretical problems. Even though a varied combination of problems of the most diverse nature was often in question, the problems discussed in this book stood forth as the most essential to this category of specialists. The many discussions I have had gave rise to considerations on writing a book which should fill the rather unfortunate gap in our literature. The book is designed, in the first place, for specialists in the fields of theoretical engineering and science. However, it was my aim that the book should be of interest to mathematicians as well. I have been well aware what an ungrateful task it may be to write a book of the present type, and what problems such an effort can bring: Technicians and physicists on the one side, and mathematicians on the other, are often of diametrically opposing opinions as far as books con ceived for both these categories are concerned.

A comprehensive overview of foundational variational methods for problems in engineering Variational calculus is a field in which small alterations in functions and functionals are used to find their relevant maxima and minima. It is a potent tool for addressing a range of dynamic problems with otherwise counter-intuitive solutions, particularly ones incorporating multiple confounding variables. Its value in engineering fields, where materials and geometric configurations can produce highly specific problems with unconventional or unintuitive solutions, is considerable. Variational Calculus with Engineering Applications provides a comprehensive survey of this toolkit and its engineering applications. Balancing theory and practice, it offers a thorough and accessible introduction to the field pioneered by Euler, Lagrange and Hamilton, offering tools that can be every bit as powerful as the better-known Newtonian mechanics. It is an indispensable resource for those looking for engineering-oriented overview of a subject whose capacity to provide engineering solutions is only increasing. Variational Calculus with Engineering Applications readers will also find: Discussion of subjects including variational principles, levitation, geometric dynamics, and more Examples and instructional problems in every Chapter, along with MAPLE codes for performing the simulations described in each Engineering applications based on simple, curvilinear, and multiple integral functionals Variational Calculus with Engineering Applications is ideal for advanced students, researchers, and instructors in engineering and materials science.

As variational methods are of great importance to aerospace, civil and mechanical engineers, the emphasis in this book is on applications to engineering, but the mathematics that serves as the foundation is also given its due importance. Copious footnotes and a large number of illustrative examples are a feature of the book.