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Euler’S Variational Approach To The Elastica, Sylvio R. Bistafa

Euleriana

The history of the elastica is examined through the works of various contributors, including those of Jacob and Daniel Bernoulli, since its first appearance in a 1690 contest on finding the profile of a hanging flexible cord. Emphasis will be given to Leonhard Euler’s variational approach to the elastica, laid out in his landmark 1744 book on variational techniques. Euler’s variational approach based on the concept of differential value is highlighted, including the derivation of the general equation for the elastica from the differential value of the first kind, from which nine shapes adopted by a flexed lamina under different …