Parametrized formulations of Hamilton's law for numerical solutions of dynamic problems. I: Global approximation. II: Time finite element approximation (Q1271596)

The essential features of the Hamilton's law and its variations are re-examined from the numerical perspectives. A general version of variation is proposed, and the parametrized formulations are presented. The parametrized formulations unify conventional formulations and also yield many new ones. Illustrative numerical examples (which include two-field mixed formulations and lower-order interpolation functions) demonstrate that the conventional formulations may not be optimal although they may be rational.