Variational integrators and time-dependent Lagrangian systems (Q1853808)

The purpose of this paper is to extend the variational integrators previously obtained for autonomous mechanical systems to the case of time-dependent Lagrangian systems. The resulting algorithms are symplectic, preserve the momentum map associated with a Lie group of symmetries and also describe the energy variation. The example of a single particle in a one-dimensional space is detailed and a future work with several applications in mechanics and economic problems is announced.