Calculus of Variations (Paperback)

First 6 chapters include theory of fields and sufficient conditions for weak and strong extrema. Chapter 7 considers application of variation methods to systems with infinite degrees of freedom, and Chapter 8 deals with direct methods in the calculus of variations. Problems follow each chapter and the 2 appendices. Fresh, lively text serves as a modern introduction to the subject, with applications to the mechanics of systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom. Ideal for math and physics students.First 6 chapters include theory of fields and sufficient conditions for weak and strong extrema. Chapter 7 considers application of variation methods to systems with infinite degrees of freedom, and Chapter 8 deals with direct methods in the calculus of variations. Problems follow each chapter and the 2 appendices. Fresh, lively text serves as a modern introduction to the subject, with applications to the mechanics of systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom. Ideal for math and physics students.First 6 chapters include theory of fields and sufficient conditions for weak and strong extrema. Chapter 7 considers application of variation methods to systems with infinite degrees of freedom, and Chapter 8 deals with direct methods in the calculus of variations. Problems follow each chapter and the 2 appendices. Fresh, lively text serves as a modern introduction to the subject, with applications to the mechanics of systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom. Ideal for math and physics students.