Follower forces: Leipholz's researches into generalized variational principles

Abstract

Classical variational principles, for conservative systems, are associated with the names of Lagrange and Hamilton. Generalized variational principles for nonconservative systems were introduced by various authors and in various physical contexts in the period 1945 – 1966. This review traces their development and their use, by Leipholz, in the period 1971 – 1986. Key words: follower forces, variational principles, generalized, nonconservative, adjoint systems, stability, divergence, flutter.