This book by Robert Weinstock was written to fill the need for a basic introduction to the calculus of variations. Simply and easily written, with an emphasis on the applications of this calculus, it has long been a standard reference of physicists, engineers, and applied mathematicians. The author begins slowly, introducing the reader to the calculus of variations, and supplying lists of essential formulae and derivations. Later chapters cover isoperimetric problems, geometrical optics, Fermat's principle, dynamics of particles, the Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue-eigenfunction problem, the theory of elasticity, quantum mechanics, and electrostatics. Each chapter ends with a series of exercises which should prove very useful in determining whether the material in that chapter has been thoroughly grasped. The clarity of exposition makes this book easily accessible to anyone who has mastered first-year calculus with some exposure to ordinary differential equations. Physicists and engineers who find variational methods evasive at times will find this book particularly helpful. "I regard this as a very useful book which I shall refer to frequently in the future." J. L. Synge, Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society.

This text is in two sections. the first part dealing with, background material, basic theorems and isoperimetric problems. The second part devoted to applications, geometrical optics, particle dynamics, he theory of elasticity, electrostatics, quantum mechanics and much more. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Calculus of variations is one of the most important mathematical tools of great scientific significance used by scientistis and engineers. Unfortunately, a few books that are available are written at a level which is not easily comprehensible for postgraduate students.This book, written by a highly respected academic, presents the materials in a lucid manner so as to be within the easy grasp of the students with some background in calculus, differential equations and functional analysis. The aim is to give a thorough and systematic analysis of various aspects of calculus of variations.

First truly up-to-date treatment offers a simple introduction to optimal control, linear-quadratic control design, and more. Broad perspective features numerous exercises, hints, outlines, and appendixes, including a practical discussion of MATLAB. 2005 edition.

Provides a thorough understanding of calculus of variations and prepares readers for the study of modern optimal control theory. Selected variational problems and over 400 exercises. Bibliography. 1969 edition.

Applications-oriented introduction to variational theory develops insight and promotes understanding of specialized books and research papers. Suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students as a primary or supplementary text. 1969 edition.

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.