DescriptionThe project will discuss the mathematical description of systems whose properties are determined by some minimisation requirements. This will include systems which involve constraints requiring the introduction of Lagrange multipliers. The project will then turn towards the study of the principle of least action which will be discussed in the context of the lagrangian mechanics. We will look then at various applications of this principle - in the context of field theories and we may look at the origin of this principle (quantum mechanics defined in terms of path integrals).
At this stage the project can develop in various ways: look at some very concrete applications or combine this approach with functional integration or ... PrerequisitesMathematical Physics II.ResourcesThere are many articles on the web and there are even some books on this topic. I can discuss them with interested students and then suggest specific things to read (as this will depend which ideas the students want to develop in this project). |
email: Wojtek Zakrzewski