Overview

This topic includes: Classic problems in calculus of variations, Euler-Lagrange equations, basic formulation and extensions, constrained problems, sufficient conditions, invariance, canonical forms, minimal surfaces, geodesics.

Topic availabilities

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Tuition pattern

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Aims

This topic aims to provide understanding of the role of calculus of variations in diverse problems in science and technology, provide understanding of the relevant mathematical foundations, develop analytic and computational skills for applying calculus of variations.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Recognise where variational methods arise in diverse areas of application
2.
Ability to adapt the method to new situations
3.
Solve variational problems
4.
Interpret solutions
5.
Understand the scope and limitations of the method

Assessments

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Requisites information

Pre-requisites: