Get the Euler-Lagrange differential equations derived from a given functional.
ResourceFunction["EulerEquations"][f,u[x],x]
returns the Euler–Lagrange differential equation obeyed by u[x] derived from the functional f, where f depends on the function u[x] and its derivatives, as well as the independent variable x.
The Euler equations for the arc length ∫ⅆs in two dimensions yields a straight line:
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A simple pendulum has the Lagrangian 12 m r2 θ.2+m g r cos(θ):
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The solution to the pendulum equation can be expressed using the function :
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Scope
The Lagrangian of a point particle in two dimensions has two dependent variables, and yields Newton's equations:
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The Lagrangian of a point particle in two dimensions with a central potential:
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Second- and higher-order derivatives may be included in the integrand. A Lagrangian for motion on a spring using higher-order terms:
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The integrand 12∇ϕ.∇ϕ has several independent variables:
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The Euler equations yield Laplace's equation:
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Applications
The Euler equations for the integrand f[yxx,yx,y,x]:
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The "textbook" answer:
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Check:
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The brachistochrone problem asks for the curve of quickest descent. The time taken for a particle to fall an arc length ds is dsv. If y measures the decrease in height from an initial point of release, then the velocity v satisfies:
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The equation for a curve joining two points, where a particle starting at rest from the higher point takes the least amount of time to reach the lower point:
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It is well known that the solution to the brachistochrone problem is a cycloid:
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The Lagrangian for a vibrating string yields the classical wave equation: