An Introduction to Calculus of Variations

Calculus of variations is an essential subject for classical mechanics and applied mechanics. Mathematical texts on this subject tend to focus on the intricate mathematical details of exceptional cases. The topic is rarely treated properly in physics and engineering texts. This book provides an introduction to calculus of variations. The goal is to provide the mathematical foundation for applications in physics and engineering. The book begins with a review of minimization of single and multivariable functions. The calculus of variations for functionals of single and multiple functions is developed. Finally, the results are applied to derive the major results of classical mechanics. This book is intended for students and researchers in applied mathematics, physics, and engineering. A background in advanced calculus is assumed. The necessary results from real and functional analysis are provided.