Some examples of critical points for the total mean curvature functional (Q4525858)

In this paper the authors study the existence and classification of closed curves which are critical points of the total curvature functional \({\mathcal F}\) defined on spaces of curves in a Riemannian manifold. After computing the Euler-Lagrange equations, the problem is completely solved in real space forms, showing that apart from the closed plane curves, the only critical points are the horizontal liftings to \(S^3(1)\), via the usual Hopf map, of certain \(m\)-fold covers of closed curves in \(S^2({1\over 2})\) whose enclosed area is a rational multiple of \(\pi\). Next, they study the existence of closed critical points for \({\mathcal F}\) in Riemannian manifolds other than real space forms. They consider the canonical variation of the standard metric of \(S^3(1)\), to give a one-parameter class of metrics in \(S^3(1)\) which admit rational one-parameter families of non-geodesic closed critical points of the total curvature. These critical points are realized as closed geodesics of minimal flat tori embedded in these spaces. Then, they find a one-parameter family of critical helices of the total curvature in the complex projective plane \(\mathbb{C} P^2(4)\), which contains a rational indexed subfamily of closed critical points of \({\mathcal F}\). Finally, they apply the principle of symmetric criticality of Palais to show a criterion for reduction of variables in the total mean curvature variational problem and give some of its many applications.