Calculus of Variations

Catalog description

An introduction to modern techniques in the calculus of variations. Topics covered will include: existence of solutions and the direct method, Euler-Lagrange equations and necessary and sufficient conditions, one-dimensional problems, multidimensional nonconvex problems, relaxation and quasiconvexity, Young's measures, and singular perturbations. The emphasis of the course will be equal parts theory and applications with numerous examples drawn from topics in nonlinear elasticity, pattern formation, wrinkling thin elastic sheets, martensitic phase transitions, minimal surfaces, differential geometry and optimal control.