On the inverse problem in calculus of variations (Q1341593)

As indicated by its title, this paper studies the inverse problem in calculus of variations. To be more precise, the problem addressed is how to find a general method to convert the boundary value problem into a stationary value problem. In particular, a new concept of `variational integral' is introduced and applied to study the transformation of some well-known differential equations, such as Poisson equation, heat conduction equation, and wave equation. Furthermore, the variational integral technique is also applied to the investigation of some variational principles.