Shortest path on a conical surface (Variational Calculus)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the shortest path between the points (0,-1,0) and (0,1,0) on the conical surface defined by the equation z=1-√(x²+y²). The constraint equation is g(x,y,z)=1-√(x²+y²)-z=0, and the function to minimize is represented by the integral ∫√(x'²+y'²+1) dz. The user expresses difficulty in progressing from the derived equations involving λ and constants, specifically in determining the values of c1 and c2 in the solution z=-((c1*x+c2*y) ln(|c2|))/(c1*c2).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of variational calculus principles
  • Familiarity with constraint equations in optimization
  • Knowledge of Euler-Lagrange equations
  • Basic skills in calculus and differential equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the Euler-Lagrange equation in variational problems
  • Research methods for solving constraint optimization problems in calculus
  • Explore techniques for determining constants in solutions of differential equations
  • Learn about the geometric interpretation of paths on conical surfaces
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and researchers in optimization and variational calculus seeking to understand path minimization on curved surfaces.

DethLark
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
I'm supposed to find the shortest path between the points (0,-1,0) and (0,1,0) on the conical surface z=1-\sqrt {{x}^{2}+{y}^{2}}

So the constraint equation is:
g \left( x,y,z \right) =1-\sqrt {{x}^{2}+{y}^{2}}-z=0

And the function to be minimized is:

\int\sqrt{x\acute{}^{2}+y\acute{}^{2}+1} dz

Putting this into: df/dq-d/dx*(df/dy')+lamda*dg/dz =0

I get:

{\frac {y&#039;}{\sqrt {{y&#039;}^{2}+{x&#039;}^{2}+1}}}={\frac {\lambda\,yz}{\sqrt {{y}<br /> ^{2}+{x}^{2}}}}+{\it const}

and

{\frac {x&#039;}{\sqrt {{y&#039;}^{2}+{x&#039;}^{2}+1}}}={\frac {\lambda\,xz}{\sqrt {{y}<br /> ^{2}+{x}^{2}}}}+{\it const}

I don't know where to go from here. My textbook just solves for dg/dq and thinks that's good enough for some aweful reason. I've been working on this thing all day.

One answer I got was:
z=-{\frac { \left( {\it c1}\,x+{\it c2}\,y \right) \ln \left( <br /> \left| {\it c2} \right| \right) }{{\it c1}\,{\it c2}}}
And even if this was correct I don't see how you can find c1.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
sigh this post looks fine in preview but is showing something completely different on posting.

I get:

{\frac {y&#039;}{\sqrt {{y&#039;}^{2}+{x&#039;}^{2}+1}}}={\frac {\lambda\,yz}{\sqrt {{y}<br /> ^{2}+{x}^{2}}}}+{\it const}

and

{\frac {x&#039;}{\sqrt {{y&#039;}^{2}+{x&#039;}^{2}+1}}}={\frac {\lambda\,xz}{\sqrt {{y}<br /> ^{2}+{x}^{2}}}}+{\it const}
 
I've just come across this question, but after using the Euler equation to solve it, I don't know how to go about it next?..
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K