Variational problems with differential constraints: A geometric approach without Lagrange multipliers (Q1085427)

The paper is concerned with constrained variational problems set up within the framework of exterior differential systems [cf. \textit{Ph. A. Griffiths}, Exterior differential systems and the calculus of variations, Progr. Math. 25 (1983; Zbl 0512.49003)]. Necessary and sufficient conditions for stationarity are given in terms of an integral equation, without reference to the Lagrange multipliers. To check the conditions for a given Pfaffian ideal of constraints, a Lie algebra should be found of the so-called vertical isovector fields. In principle the last task can be solved automatically using symbolic packages like REDUCE. The paper concludes with two control-theoretic examples.