Variational calculus Euler lagrange Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equation in variational calculus, specifically addressing a particular example from a textbook on applied finite element analysis. Participants are exploring the appearance of the factor of 1/2 in the derivation and the underlying mechanics of functional derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the factor of 1/2 appears in the derivation of the integral, seeking clarification and examples.
  • Another participant suggests that the appearance of 1/2 can be understood as a restatement of the relationship xdx = 1/2 d(x^2).
  • A third participant inquires whether the step involving the factor of 1/2 is a reverse step in the derivation process.
  • A later reply discusses the concept of functional derivatives, proposing that performing calculations without the variation symbol can clarify the mechanics involved, leading to the desired result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity of the derivation and the role of the factor of 1/2, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the notation and the properties of functional derivatives may not be fully articulated, and the discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps leading to the factor of 1/2.

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I am trying to understand an example from my textbook "applied finite element analysis" and in the variational calculus, Euler lagrange equation example I can't seem to understand the following derivation in one of its examples
∫((dT/dx)(d(δT)/dx))dx= ∫((dT/dx)δ(dT/dx))dx= ∫((1/2)δ(dT/dx)^2)dx

limits from 0 to 5.

My question here is how in the last part of the derivation 1/2 appears out of the blue where the integratal remains intact..
If anyone know the answer.. kindly refer me some examples also
 
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essentially it is a restatement of: xdx = 1/2 d(x^2)
 
So this is a reverse step?
 
Hi All,
I found it easier to master the functional derivative concept by performing the calculations out, leaving aside for a moment the symbol $$\delta$$ to denote variations, a useful notation that might though hide the mechanics of what is going on.
Then your example becomes transparent: the functional derivative of the functional $$\int_{\Omega} y'^{2} \mathrm{d}\Omega$$ in the direction of the test function $$\mu$$ (in other terms, introducing a variation $$\hat{y} = y(x) + \epsilon \mu (x)$$ according to the definition equals
$$lim_{\epsilon \to 0}\frac {\int_{\Omega} [\hat{y}'^2 - y'^ 2] \mathrm{d}\Omega}{\epsilon}$$
$$lim_{\epsilon \to 0}\frac {\int_{\Omega} [{y'^{2} + 2\epsilon \mu' y'+\epsilon^2 \mu^{2}} - y' ^2] \mathrm{d}\Omega}{\epsilon}$$
some terms cancel, and you are left with the result you wnated to confirm: it turns out the differentiation of functions and functional share common operational properties, such as xdx = 1/2 d(x^2).
 

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