The total squared curvature of closed curves (Q760017)

The authors study the total squared curvature \(\oint k^ 2 ds\) of closed curves in spaces of constant curvature. The critical points of this functional are called closed free elastica. In the case of curves in a zero-dimensional space form a complete classification of such elastica is given. For arbitrary closed curves in the hyperbolic plane the authors obtain the following inequality: \(\oint k^ 2 ds\geq 4\pi\).