Skip to main content
Log in

The reduction of certain boundary value problems to variational problems by means of transversality conditions

  • Published:
Numerische Mathematik Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

It is shown by means of the classical theory of the transversality conditions of the calculus of variations that certain boundary value problems are equivalent to necessary conditions for the attainment of extreme values of a fundamental integral of a variational problem with variable boundaries. Systems of second order ordinary, as well as partial, differential equations are considered. The method is illustrated for both cases by means of examples, from which well-known theorems of exceptional practical importance emerge effortlessly.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Boerner, H.: Über die Legendresche Bedingung und die Feldtheorien in der Variationsrechnung der mehrfachen Integrale. Math. Z.46, 720–742 (1940).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Bolza, O.: Vorlesungen über Variationsrechnung. Leipzig: Koehler u. Amelang 1909; reprint (1949)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Carathéodory, C.: Variationsrechnung und partielle Differentialgleichungen erster Ordnung. Leipzig und Berlin: Teubner 1935

    Google Scholar 

  4. Collatz, L.: The numerical treatment of differential equations, 3rd ed. Berlin-Göttingen-Heidelberg: Springer 1960.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Douglas, J.: Solution of the inverse problem in the calculus of variations. Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.50, 71–128 (1941).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Grässer, H. S. P.: Boundary value problems as higher order problems in the calculus of variations. Tydskr. Natuurw.9, No. 3 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Mikhlin, S. G.: Variational methods in mathematical physics. London: Pergamon 1964.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Rund, H.: The Hamilton-Jacobi theory in the calculus of variations. London and New York: Van Nostrand 1966.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Rund, H. The reduction of certain boundary value problems to variational problems by means of transversality conditions. Numer. Math. 15, 49–56 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02165659

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02165659

Keywords

Navigation