PlumX Metrics
Embed PlumX Metrics

A Study of the Calculus of Variations

2009
  • 0
    Citations
  • 28
    Usage
  • 0
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

Thesis / Dissertation Description

This thesis is an introductory study of the calculus of variations. We will begin by introducing the field of the calculus of variations, its history and describe the classical problems of the calculus of variations. We will present the solutions to these problems and introduce the mathematical theory needed for their solution. These problems include one of the most famous problems in the calculus of variations, that of finding the brachistochrone curve. After exploring these interesting curves, we will move on to studying geodesics on a variety of surfaces including the cylinder, sphere, torus and cone. In each of these chapters, we work to describe both analytically and geometrically all of the geodesics on these surfaces.

Provide Feedback

Have ideas for a new metric? Would you like to see something else here?Let us know