On the analogy between deflected elastic beams and deflected relativistic electron beams (Q1087391)

The analogy existing between various physical phenomena apparently unconnected is not a singular event. Indeed, many such analogies have been noticed; let us only mention the duality existing between the electric and magnetic field theories. Another such example - and still in a general context - is the fact that the theory of fluids also constitutes a frame for establishing models of particle beam trajectories. As it can be seen, this kind of analogy is a consequence of the straightforward physical analogy. We use the inverse way; namely, we estabish the equivalence of the mathematical models of two distinct physical phenomena: one of them concerning the theory of ''elastica'', and the other obtained in the frame of the electromagnetic theory. The two mathematical models were obtained by means of distinct mathematical and physical considerations.