Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 6-5

Hamilton's Principle—Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · calculus-of-variations-surface-of-revolution

Problem

Consider the surface generated by revolving a line connecting two fixed points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) about an axis coplanar with the two points. Find the equation of the line connecting the points such that the surface area generated by the revolution (i.e., the area of the surface of revolution) is a minimum. Obtain the solution by using Equation 6.39.

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