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A variational principle is a principle in physics which
is expressed in terms of the calculus of variations.
Examples
- Fermat's principle in geometrical optics
- The principle of least action in mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and quantum mechanics, where the dimension is action.
Further readings
- Epstein S T 1974 "The Variation Method in Quantum Chemistry". (New York: Academic)
- Nesbet R K 2003 "Variational Principles and Methods In Theoretical Physics and Chemistry". (New York: Cambridge U.P.)
- Adhikari S K 1998 "Variational Principles for the Numerical Solution of Scattering Problems". (New York: Wiley)
- Gray C G, Karl G and Novikov V A 1996 Ann. Phys. 251 1.
See also
External links and references
- Gray, C.G., G. Karl, and V. A. Novikov, "Progress in Classical and Quantum Variational Principles". 11 Dec 2003. physics/0312071 Classical Physics.
- Venables, John, "The Variational Principle and some applications". Dept of Physics and Astronomy, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona (Graduate Course: Quantum Physics)
- Williamson, Andrew James, "The Variational Principle -- Quantum monte carlo calculations of electronic excitations". Robinson College, Cambridge, Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory. September 1996. (dissertation of Doctor of Philosophy)
- Tokunaga, Kiyohisa, "Variational Principle for Electromagnetic Field". Total Integral for Electromagnetic Canonical Action, Part Two, Relativistic Canonical Theory of Electromagnetics, Chapter VI